Keeping up with your diabetes care can be stressful. But did you know that mental stress can raise your blood sugar levels?
If it feels like your numbers are difficult to control when you’re anxious or overwhelmed, you’re not imagining things. Stress and blood sugar are closely linked, and for people with diabetes, understanding that connection is an important step toward feeling better and staying healthy.
How Stress Affects Blood Sugar
When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These are part of your natural “fight or flight” response, designed to help you handle a threat. But along with increasing your heart rate and energy, these hormones also raise blood glucose levels, making it harder to manage blood sugar.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that people with diabetes who experienced high levels of stress often had higher A1C levels (a marker of average blood glucose).
Dealing with the daily tasks of diabetes management can also become a source of stress, making it a cycle that can feel tough to break.
Signs Stress May Be Affecting You
Stress doesn’t always show up in obvious ways. You may notice:
- Higher-than-usual blood sugar readings
- Trouble sleeping or fatigue
- Mood changes like irritability or feeling down
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling overwhelmed with your diabetes care
If any of this sounds familiar, it may be time to take a closer look at your stress levels and explore tools to manage them.
Simple Ways to Lower Stress and Support Better Blood Sugar
The American Diabetes Association recommends a few simple, effective techniques that can help lower stress:
Get moving. Exercise is a natural stress reliever. Even a walk around the block can improve your mood and your glucose levels. Activity can boost your insulin sensitivity, too.
Talk it out. Whether it’s a support group, a friend, or a therapist, talking about what’s on your mind can lighten the load. You don’t have to manage diabetes alone.
Prioritize rest. Sleep plays a major role in both blood sugar and emotional resilience. Aim for 7–8 hours each night.
Take a break. A few deep breaths, a short meditation, or even 10 minutes without your phone can calm your nervous system and lower cortisol levels.
Try something new. A new hobby, a good book, or a creative project can help shift your focus and reduce daily stress.
You’re Not Alone
At Texas Diabetes, we understand that managing diabetes isn’t just about medication and numbers—it’s about your whole well-being. If stress is making your diabetes harder to manage, talk to your care team. Together, we can explore what’s going on and find solutions that work for your lifestyle.
Consult with an Endocrinologist in Austin, TX
If you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our endocrinologists at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology and discover how our diabetes services and other endocrinology therapies can help you lead a full and active life, please contact us at (512) 458-8400 or request an appointment online.