Stress & Diabetes - The Oft-overlooked Impact of Stress on Diabetes Control and Outcomes

People with Diabetes often neglect the need to manage stress, focusing mainly on exercise and diet. I often see patients with diabetes stressed with their condition as well as with the various things they have to do to manage their conditions - from tracking their blood glucose levels (if needed) to learning and changing their diet. I often have to highlight to them that Stress in itself, regardless of where the stressors come from, has significant adverse impact on their blood glucose control and overall diabetes management goals.

I would explain to them that vicious cycle relationship between Stress and Diabetes
(1) Stress leads to unhealthy lifestyle choices - poor sleep, lack of exercise, bingeing on unhealthy foods
(2) Unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, poor sleep and many other unhealthy lifestyle exacerbate elevated blood glucose, leading to to poorer outcomes in diabetes management including poor blood sugar control and increase in diabetes complications
(3) Poor health arising from diabetes and the worsening severity of diabetes causes stress
(4) Complications arising from diabetes (eg. leg wounds, amputations, blindness, kidney failures) makes healthy eating and exercise very challenging, further leading to poor control of diabetes and complications
The vicious cycle repeats and continues

That is why I call Stress the Number One Wrecker, the Most Overlooked area of optimal diabetes management

I made a video on this
Video : The Impact of Stress on Diabetes Outcomes - Blood Glucose Control, Complications 

Links to Other Diabetes related Blog Posts by Dr Chan

Dr Chan asks, "Combating Diabetes, is Cutting Down on Sugar Alone Enough?"

Diabetes Explained Simply - What is Diabetes? What can we do if we have Diabetes

FAQ - What is a Good Diet for Diabetes? Criteria for Dietary, Eating Habits for Diabetes

FAQ : Doctor, can I take Honey if I have Diabetes? is Honey good for people with diabetes

STUDY : 4 Case Studies of Long-term diabetes reversal / remission through intense lifestyle modification program

Bitter Melon Pills - Does it Work for Diabetes

Does Vinegar Help Lower Blood Sugar?

4 Lesser Known but Serious Complications of Diabetes

Are all Low Glycemic Index Foods Good for People with Diabetes?

3 Most Underrated Lifestyle Habits as Medicine for Combating Diabetes

Stress & Diabetes - The Oft-overlooked Impact of Stress on Diabetes Control and Outcomes