Stress and Diabetes

Our lives are full of factors that can cause stress. Stress can be physical or an illness stress can be mental, like job related marriage, etc. Good or bad stress which lasts longer affects your body. Diabetes is a physical stress. That lasts a long time.

During stress, hormones are pumped into your blood which in turn release stored blood glucose and stored fat for extra energy. This extra energy helps to face this stress.

In diabetic patients as there is not enough insulin, glucose and fat levels increase in the blood and this can lead to high blood sugar levels and high ketones.

Physical stress causes blood glucose levels to go up in most people with diabetes. Mental stress can influence in both ways­may cause blood sugar levels to go up and in some may lower.

How to Handle Stress

1. Make lists of things that stress you.
2. Learn how you react to stress. You may feel tense, anxious, upset, or angry. You may feel tired, sad, or empty. You may have stomach up set or headache.
3. Change your reaction you can't stop things that cause stress. But you can change how you react. If you feel stressed try following tactics.

1. Breathe Deeply. This is called as Sudershan kirya too. You sit or lie down. Close your eyes. Breathe in deeply and slowly. Let all the breathe out. Breathe in and out again (for 15 to 20 times). Start to relax your muscles. Do it twice in a day.

• Lie Down; Lie down close your eyes tense and relax the muscles of each part or body from head to feet.
• Loosen up and shake parts of body.
• Get a massage.
• Think about good things and talk about your troubles with family members or friends. Put your problems on paper.
• Stay active and listen to music you may find it soothing. Say no if you don't like anything.
• Have a hearty healthy laugh.
• Eat Wisely. During stress you may need more vitamins, protein and minerals. Eat, fruits like oranges, nuts, seeds, and beans, chicken, fish and egg white. For minerals :- low fat milk, curd and cheese.
• Get 6-8 hours of sleep a day.