asknurselornaoct2005

~*~ What is Stress ?

Stress is a general term applied when the body has to adapt or
react to a difficult situation. Stress may be physical as in injury
or illness, or mental such as that caused by anxiety or worry

~*~ How does Stress affect the body ?

When the body is under stress, many hormones are released
which oppose the action of insulin. The purpose of these
hormones is to release energy in the form of glucose and fat,
which is made available to the cells of the body. This provides
fuel for what has been traditionally referred to as the “Flight or
Fight” response.

~*~ What are Stress hormones ?

These include adrenaline and glucocorticoid or steroid
hormones, which are secreted by the adrenal glands and growth
hormone produced by the pituitary gland.

~*~ What is the effect of stress on diabetes ?

Stress may affect the body in two separate ways. As described
above, the release of “stress hormones” which antagonises the
action of insulin, helps increase levels of blood sugar.
People under stress may be unable to look after themselves;
they may forget their medications such as insulin and also be
unable to exercise due to injury. They may drink too much
alcohol or smoke excessively. Many people who are under
stress turn to food as a source of “comfort” This pattern of
“comfort eating” can often play havoc with blood sugars.

~*~ Can stress cause diabetes ?

There is no evidence that I have been able to find, that stress
causes diabetes. However, stress may sometimes unmask
diabetes, by causing blood sugars to rise. This is often seen
after a heart attack or stroke, where raised blood sugar levels
may be encountered for the first time.

~*~ How to avoid stress.

Many forms of stress are difficult to predict, such as illness or
injury. Mental stress can sometimes be minimised by changes
in lifestyle. Make sure you have adequate exercise, leisure time
and sleep. Relaxation techniques and exercise may also help.

~*~ Having diabetes is causing me stress.

The diagnosis of diabetes usually comes as a shock and is
certainly a stressful time. Changes in lifestyle, diet and learning
to manage your injections, may all contribute, in addition to the
worry regarding chronic illness. Having to stop smoking may be
an additional form of stress. If necessary you should postpone
this to a more suitable time.
The stress caused by this condition can be greatly reduced by
learning to manage your diabetes. Your diabetes team should be
able to help you deal with these issues in more detail

~*~ Dealing with stress – make a plan.

Map out your day. Identify clear times for exercise and
relaxation. Plan meal times and avoid eating and injecting “on
the run”. Make a list of all the things you find stressful within
your day, whether it is work, personal relationships or injections.
Work out ways of reducing the stress caused by these issues.
Discuss this further with your doctor or diabetic nurse.
Even better join ADI, or any other support group.