Can stress raise blood sugar in type 2 diabetes

Researchers from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and The Ohio State University College of Medicine in the US have found in their study that reducing stress is very important for managing diabetes and controlling blood sugar levels. Researchers have found a clear link between the stress hormone cortisol and high blood sugar levels, especially in people with type 2 diabetes. This new study has been published online in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.

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Cortisol is a glucocorticoid that is produced from cholesterol in the two adrenal glands, located just above the kidneys. Cortisol is normally released in response to events and situations such as waking up in the morning, exercising, or taking extreme stress. It has been revealed in many earlier studies that stress and depression are the two main factors that play an important role in increasing the cortisol profile. These constantly rising levels of the stress hormone cortisol make it more difficult to control blood sugar and manage diabetes. This is why it is so important for people with type 2 diabetes to find ways to reduce stress.

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According to the data released by the World Health Organization (WHO), till the year 2015, the number of diabetes patients in India was about 70 million, and given the rapid growth of this disease, it is feared that by 2030 in India, The number of patients of only type 2 diabetes will increase to 9 crores 80 lacks. If a person has type 2 diabetes, then the body of that patient is not able to use insulin properly. While some people manage their blood sugar levels better through healthy eating and exercise, others require medication or insulin to manage their type 2 diabetes.

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"Cortisol levels fluctuate naturally throughout the day in healthy people," says endocrinologist Dr. Joshua J. Joseph, researcher, and endocrinologist at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center's Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center. It increases especially in the morning and decreases at night. But in the participants of the study who had type 2 diabetes, whenever the profile of cortisol increased throughout the day, their glucose levels were also found to be very high.

Cortisol's association with blood sugar levels was observed only in patients with diabetes. However, Dr. Joseph and his team believe that the stress hormone plays an important role in the prevention of diabetes, and he and his team will continue to research the relationship between cortisol and the development of diabetes and heart disease.

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Dr. Joseph adds, “Most patients with type 2 diabetes understand and follow the importance of exercising regularly, consuming a healthy and balanced diet, and getting plenty of rest. But stress relief is an important component of managing diabetes that is often overlooked. Then do yoga, walk, read a book, or do whatever you like. Finding ways to reduce your rising stress levels is vital to maintaining everyone's health, especially those with type 2 diabetes.'

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Stress is such a problem, due to which many diseases can occur. Therefore, stress can become a cause of distress for a patient with diabetes. In such a situation, the patient with diabetes must stay away from stress as much as possible. To relieve stress, regular exercise, yoga, and meditation can be beneficial.

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