Managing your condition can be stressful. How does stress affect diabetes? Learn to manage stress and control diabetes well.
Stress is your body’s way of reacting to pressure, and it is not always a negative thing when we feel stressed. In small amounts, stress motivates us and provides the extra bit of energy we need to do our best — for instance before a competition or important work presentation.
However, stress can affect our lives negatively when poorly managed or when the level of stress is too much for us. It can make you feel exhausted, irritable and impulsive, leading you to make poor lifestyles choices which might in turn make it harder for glycemic control.
Related: Why Coping With Diabetes as a Teenager Is No Easy Feat
For people with Type 2 diabetes or Type 1 diabetes, diabetes care is much more than monitoring and controlling blood sugar levels.
To get a good handle of your condition, you’ll need to take a more holistic approach, including learning how to manage or respond to stressful situations[2].
Here are a few quick and easy stress reduction techniques.
Related: Mindful about Mindfulness
Remember that stress is not the enemy. Quite the opposite, stress can motivate and drive you to carry out the daily tasks and routines essential to managing diabetes.
There are different types of stress. The key is to know your stressors and take one small step at a time to manage them effectively. Soon, you’ll be able to turn life stressors into useful life experiences and use them to build your resilience and inner strength.
The trick is to manage your stress in ways that work for you. There is no “right way” to manage stress. Use methods and techniques that suit your personality and lifestyle.
Planning makes a big difference. Make time to exercise, eat nutritious meals, monitor blood glucose levels and take your insulin. Having a plan will help you through challenging or stressful moments.
Stay optimistic and positive. People with diabetes do lead to enriching and fulfilling lives too!
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This article was last reviewed on 15 Nov 2022
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