Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Stress Affects the BodyStress In People with Type 1 DiabetesStress in People with Type 2 DiabetesOther Ways Stress Causes High Blood SugarWhat to Do if You Have a Blood Sugar SpikeFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How Stress Affects the Body
Stress In People with Type 1 Diabetes
Stress in People with Type 2 Diabetes
Other Ways Stress Causes High Blood Sugar
What to Do if You Have a Blood Sugar Spike
Frequently Asked Questions
Both emotional and physicalstresscan be detrimental to the body in many ways. One of the effects it could have on health is a spike in blood sugar levels. When the body experiences high levels of chronic stress, it releases morecortisol, the primary stress hormone. A higher serum cortisol level causes the body to decrease insulin secretion.Insulin helps bring sugar into cells from the bloodstream, where it’s used for energy. Without the proper release of insulin, more sugar remains in the bloodstream and blood sugar levels become imbalanced.
Stress can affect blood sugar both directly and indirectly. Its effects can also vary depending on the type ofdiabetesa person has. Chronic stress can lead to prolonged high levels of cortisol and ultimately a lowered insulin secretion in the long run. This makes stress both dangerous for those with diabetes and a possible risk factor for its development.
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When the body is under stress, it releases cortisol. Cortisol is synthesized from cholesterol and then released from theadrenal glands. The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is a unit in the brain comprised of thehypothalamus, thepituitary gland, and the adrenal glands, is what regulates the production of cortisol and how much of it is released during periods of physical and emotional stress.
When the body sends signals of stress—both emotional and physical—it releases cortisol to help the body respond to a perceived threat, control blood pressure, and reduce inflammation. It is the hormone that is used for the fight-or-flight response so if there is any immediate danger, the body will be ready to face it or run from it.
Types of Stress
Stress can be broken up into two categories; emotional or mental stress and physical stress. Emotional or psychological stress tends to originate internally. This type of stress can occur for many reasons. Some reasons, such as nervousness for a job interview or becoming angry in traffic, can lead to an emotional stress response, as can losing a loved one or going through a traumatic event.
Physical stress, on the other hand, comes from external sources such as strenuous exercise, prolonged physical activitiy, or physical traumas and injuries. Both types of stress, when experienced long-term, can lead to various negative health effects and diseases such as cardiovascular events,cancer, immune system suppression, and diabetes.
Research has also looked at whether stress can cause diabetes. Many studies have postulated that chronic stress especially can contribute to the onset of type 1 diabetes in those who are already susceptible to developing it.
Hypoglycemia (Low blood sugar)HungerIrritabilityTrouble concentratingFatigueSweatingConfusionFast heartbeatShakingHeadacheHyperglycemia (High blood sugar)Extreme thirstDry mouthWeaknessHeadacheFrequent urinationBlurry visionNauseaConfusionShortness of breath
Hypoglycemia (Low blood sugar)HungerIrritabilityTrouble concentratingFatigueSweatingConfusionFast heartbeatShakingHeadache
Hunger
Irritability
Trouble concentrating
Fatigue
Sweating
Confusion
Fast heartbeat
Shaking
Headache
Hyperglycemia (High blood sugar)Extreme thirstDry mouthWeaknessHeadacheFrequent urinationBlurry visionNauseaConfusionShortness of breath
Extreme thirst
Dry mouth
Weakness
Frequent urination
Blurry vision
Nausea
Shortness of breath
For people withtype 2 diabetes, high levels of stress can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels. When there is a high level of cortisol in the body, it causes body tissues to be less sensitive to insulin. Therefore, more blood sugar is available in the bloodstream. When this happens, blood sugar levels become imbalanced and can reach dangerously high levels, especially if it is left untreated.
Can Stress Cause High Blood Sugar?
There are other ways that stress can lead to spikes in blood sugar. During periods of stress, people may participate in behaviors that could lead to high blood sugar such as emotional overeating of refined carbohydrates or foods that are high in added sugars.People may also fail to exercise or take their medications when they’re supposed to.Since stress has the ability to change healthy habits, these factors can all lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of High Blood Sugar in People Without Diabetes
For those with diabetes, having a blood sugar spike can be dangerous because too much sugar in the blood passes into the urine. This triggers the body to filter out the fluid, which could lead to dehydration or a diabetic coma.
How to Manage Your Stress Levels
Some forms of stress cannot be managed, especially if they are not frequent in nature such as a one-time traumatic event or an accidental injury. Other types of stress, such as taking care of family, work stressors, or any other day-to-day stressful situations, will likely be there permanently or semipermanently. These types of stressful events are the ones that need to be managed as best you can.
To do this, you can proactively plan ahead. This means being prepared for the regular stressors of life and managing your time, reading self-help books, or minimizing the source of stress as much as possible. Calming exercises such asyogaandmeditationhave also been proven to reduce stress levels.You will also want to avoid indulging in unhealthy behaviors such as overeating. It may seem comforting at the time, but it will not help to relieve the stress you are experiencing.
Setting realistic and manageable goals is also a big stress reducer for those with diabetes.Instead of focusing on a large and vague goal such as losing weight, setting a goal of walking for at least a half-hour every day on specific days of the week will be much more achievable.
A Word From Verywell
Yes, both physical and emotional stress can impact blood sugar and make it unpredictable. Most commonly, stress will raise blood sugar in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, in people with type 1, stress can also lower blood sugar levels.
The stress hormone cortisol helps the body respond to a perceived threat. As part of the fight-or-flight response, cortisol triggers the liver to release glucose to fuel the body as it deals with danger.This primitive response, designed to keep you alive in the face of a deadly predator, is activated in the modern world when we are anxious, angry, frightened, or otherwise under stress. Physical stress also releases cortisol, including strenuous exercise, physical labor, illness, or injury.In most people with diabetes, the cascading effects of cortisol raise blood sugar levels. However, people with type 1 diabetes are prone to adrenal fatigue, which hinders the production of cortisol and can lead to low blood sugar.
The stress hormone cortisol helps the body respond to a perceived threat. As part of the fight-or-flight response, cortisol triggers the liver to release glucose to fuel the body as it deals with danger.
This primitive response, designed to keep you alive in the face of a deadly predator, is activated in the modern world when we are anxious, angry, frightened, or otherwise under stress. Physical stress also releases cortisol, including strenuous exercise, physical labor, illness, or injury.
In most people with diabetes, the cascading effects of cortisol raise blood sugar levels. However, people with type 1 diabetes are prone to adrenal fatigue, which hinders the production of cortisol and can lead to low blood sugar.
Exercise can cause a temporary spike in blood sugar. Strenuous exercise prompts the release of cortisol, which triggers the release of glucose into the bloodstream to fuel your workout.This effect is only temporary. Your muscles will soak up the excess glucose. In fact, research shows that 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity exercise can reverse insulin resistance for up to 48 hours.
Exercise can cause a temporary spike in blood sugar. Strenuous exercise prompts the release of cortisol, which triggers the release of glucose into the bloodstream to fuel your workout.
This effect is only temporary. Your muscles will soak up the excess glucose. In fact, research shows that 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity exercise can reverse insulin resistance for up to 48 hours.
Some people with diabetes experience low blood sugar when under stress. This can be due to adrenal fatigue, which is common in people with type 1 diabetes.
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15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sharma K, Akre S, Chakole S, Wanjari MB.Stress-induced diabetes: A review.Cureus. 2022;14(9):e29142. doi:10.7759/cureus.29142National Center for Biotechnology Information.Physiology, cortisol.American Psychological Association.Stress effects on the body.Liu X, Shan Y, Peng M, Chen H, Chen T.Human stress and StO2: Database, features, and classification of emotional and physical stress.Entropy. 2020;22(9):962. doi:10.3390/e22090962Passanisi S, Timpanaro T, Lo Presti D, Caruso-Nicoletti M.Recurrent hypoglycaemia in type-1 diabetes mellitus may unravel the association with Addison’s disease: A case report.BMC Res Notes.2014;7(1):634. doi:10.1186/1756-0500-7-634Lloyd C. Smith J. Weinger K.Stress and diabetes: A review of the links.Dia Spect.2005 Apr;18(2):121-127. doi:10.2337/diaspect.18.2.121Razzoli M, Pearson C, Crow S, Bartolomucci A.Stress, overeating, and obesity: Insights from human studies and preclinical models.Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. 2017;76:154-162. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.01.026Diabetes UK.Stress and diabetes.Hirotsu C, Tufik S, Andersen ML.Interactions between sleep, stress, and metabolism: from physiological to pathological conditions.Sleep Sci.2015 Nov;8(3):143-152. doi:10.1016/j.slsci.2015.09.002Toyoura M, Miike T, Tajima S, Matsuzawa S, Konishi Y.Inadequate sleep as a contributor to impaired glucose tolerance: a cross-sectional study in children, adolescents, and young adults with circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder.Pediatr Diabetes.2020 Jun;21(4):557-564. doi:10.1111/pedi.13003Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care - InformedHealth.org.Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Manage blood sugar.Goyal M, Singh S, Sibinga EMS, et al.Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: A systematic review and meta-analysis.JAMA Intern Med.2014 Mar;174(3):357-368. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.13018Sharifirad G, Moazam N, Tol A, Alhani F, Shojaeazadeh D.An empowering approach to promote the quality of life and self-management among type 2 diabetic patients.J Edu Health Promot. 2015;4(1):13. doi:10.4103/2277-9531.154022Malin SK, Rynders CA, Weltman JY, Barrett EJ, Weltman A.Exercise intensity modulates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion when adjusted for adipose, liver and skeletal muscle insulin resistance.PLoS One. 2016;11(4):e0154063. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0154063
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Sharma K, Akre S, Chakole S, Wanjari MB.Stress-induced diabetes: A review.Cureus. 2022;14(9):e29142. doi:10.7759/cureus.29142National Center for Biotechnology Information.Physiology, cortisol.American Psychological Association.Stress effects on the body.Liu X, Shan Y, Peng M, Chen H, Chen T.Human stress and StO2: Database, features, and classification of emotional and physical stress.Entropy. 2020;22(9):962. doi:10.3390/e22090962Passanisi S, Timpanaro T, Lo Presti D, Caruso-Nicoletti M.Recurrent hypoglycaemia in type-1 diabetes mellitus may unravel the association with Addison’s disease: A case report.BMC Res Notes.2014;7(1):634. doi:10.1186/1756-0500-7-634Lloyd C. Smith J. Weinger K.Stress and diabetes: A review of the links.Dia Spect.2005 Apr;18(2):121-127. doi:10.2337/diaspect.18.2.121Razzoli M, Pearson C, Crow S, Bartolomucci A.Stress, overeating, and obesity: Insights from human studies and preclinical models.Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. 2017;76:154-162. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.01.026Diabetes UK.Stress and diabetes.Hirotsu C, Tufik S, Andersen ML.Interactions between sleep, stress, and metabolism: from physiological to pathological conditions.Sleep Sci.2015 Nov;8(3):143-152. doi:10.1016/j.slsci.2015.09.002Toyoura M, Miike T, Tajima S, Matsuzawa S, Konishi Y.Inadequate sleep as a contributor to impaired glucose tolerance: a cross-sectional study in children, adolescents, and young adults with circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder.Pediatr Diabetes.2020 Jun;21(4):557-564. doi:10.1111/pedi.13003Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care - InformedHealth.org.Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Manage blood sugar.Goyal M, Singh S, Sibinga EMS, et al.Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: A systematic review and meta-analysis.JAMA Intern Med.2014 Mar;174(3):357-368. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.13018Sharifirad G, Moazam N, Tol A, Alhani F, Shojaeazadeh D.An empowering approach to promote the quality of life and self-management among type 2 diabetic patients.J Edu Health Promot. 2015;4(1):13. doi:10.4103/2277-9531.154022Malin SK, Rynders CA, Weltman JY, Barrett EJ, Weltman A.Exercise intensity modulates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion when adjusted for adipose, liver and skeletal muscle insulin resistance.PLoS One. 2016;11(4):e0154063. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0154063
Sharma K, Akre S, Chakole S, Wanjari MB.Stress-induced diabetes: A review.Cureus. 2022;14(9):e29142. doi:10.7759/cureus.29142
National Center for Biotechnology Information.Physiology, cortisol.
American Psychological Association.Stress effects on the body.
Liu X, Shan Y, Peng M, Chen H, Chen T.Human stress and StO2: Database, features, and classification of emotional and physical stress.Entropy. 2020;22(9):962. doi:10.3390/e22090962
Passanisi S, Timpanaro T, Lo Presti D, Caruso-Nicoletti M.Recurrent hypoglycaemia in type-1 diabetes mellitus may unravel the association with Addison’s disease: A case report.BMC Res Notes.2014;7(1):634. doi:10.1186/1756-0500-7-634
Lloyd C. Smith J. Weinger K.Stress and diabetes: A review of the links.Dia Spect.2005 Apr;18(2):121-127. doi:10.2337/diaspect.18.2.121
Razzoli M, Pearson C, Crow S, Bartolomucci A.Stress, overeating, and obesity: Insights from human studies and preclinical models.Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. 2017;76:154-162. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.01.026
Diabetes UK.Stress and diabetes.
Hirotsu C, Tufik S, Andersen ML.Interactions between sleep, stress, and metabolism: from physiological to pathological conditions.Sleep Sci.2015 Nov;8(3):143-152. doi:10.1016/j.slsci.2015.09.002
Toyoura M, Miike T, Tajima S, Matsuzawa S, Konishi Y.Inadequate sleep as a contributor to impaired glucose tolerance: a cross-sectional study in children, adolescents, and young adults with circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder.Pediatr Diabetes.2020 Jun;21(4):557-564. doi:10.1111/pedi.13003
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care - InformedHealth.org.Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Manage blood sugar.
Goyal M, Singh S, Sibinga EMS, et al.Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: A systematic review and meta-analysis.JAMA Intern Med.2014 Mar;174(3):357-368. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.13018
Sharifirad G, Moazam N, Tol A, Alhani F, Shojaeazadeh D.An empowering approach to promote the quality of life and self-management among type 2 diabetic patients.J Edu Health Promot. 2015;4(1):13. doi:10.4103/2277-9531.154022
Malin SK, Rynders CA, Weltman JY, Barrett EJ, Weltman A.Exercise intensity modulates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion when adjusted for adipose, liver and skeletal muscle insulin resistance.PLoS One. 2016;11(4):e0154063. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0154063
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