7 Holistic Keys to Managing Stress with Diabetes

How Stress Affects Diabetes

When you’re stressed, your body reacts like it’s preparing for battle — releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones trigger your liver to release glucose (sugar) into your bloodstream for energy. But here’s the kicker:
If you’re diabetic, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly, so that extra sugar just hangs around in your bloodstream like an uninvited guest at a party.

Over time, chronic stress can:

• Increase blood glucose levels

• Cause insulin resistance

• Lead to weight gain, especially belly fat

• Trigger fatigue, poor sleep, and mood swings

• Make it harder to stick to your meal plan, exercise routine, or medication schedule

Basically, stress throws your body, mind, and glucose levels out of alignment.