[SandraO]

Good morning,

I'm just wondering what effect stress has on blood sugar levels? I am under a huge amount of stress at home right now due to medical issues with my dad and a few other things, and I am wondering if stress can cause blood sugar levels to rise?

I tend to be a "people pleaser" and this adds to my level of stress tremedously. This has been the case for about 3 years now and I don't see it changing anytime soon.

Anyone have any opinions on this?

Also, I am a "stress eater" and when I get super stressed about something I tend to head to the fridge or pantry. I have now stopped doing that and am trying really hard to eat properly.

 

[moon]

Stress definitely can raise blood sugar. My stress levels are also high - I've left the stress chart in the rear-view mirror. When I was dx'ed w/ diabetes I figured it happened due to stress vs a heart attack, but now know stress can't cause diabetes.

Although stress can/does affect bs, I've not had that personal experience yet. I'm usually able to attribute any spike to something else and haven't gotten any mysterious over-the-top readings. It's possible/likely I run high at times I'm not testing.

 

[Shalynne]

About 2 weeks after my own diagnosis, we learned that our dog had terminal cancer. I spiked a lot during the time we were caring for him, despite the fact that I kept my diabetes regimen up.

So yeah, stress can do it to ya.

Some folks swear by meditation and yoga -- two things I've been meaning to get around to doing for, well, forever. In the meantime, music helps me a lot. So does 70%+ (or even unsweetened) chocolate. And one glass of wine at night sure doesn't hurt.

Getting into a diabetic routine likely helps most of all. And that takes time. I'm still working on it.

 

[SandraO]

Okay, thanks. I'm sure the stress hasn't caused the diabetes, but just wanted to know what effect stress has on the whole story. I'm pretty sure my stress levels are off the charts. I have a father with end stage renal failure that I do home hemo dialylsis for, I have a fairly stressful job, there are some family issues with grown children that cause me stress and then there is just life in general. I also lost my mom a year ago and that cause the stress levels to go sky high as I am an only child and all of a sudden my dad couldn't function without a partner. I took on part of that role, as well, with tending to his day to day problems.

I'm thinking I need to check my stress baggage at the door and start looking after ME. Obviously, not looking after ME has put me in this situation.

Thanks for the input.

 

[SandraO]

About 2 weeks after my own diagnosis, we learned that our dog had terminal cancer. I spiked a lot during the time we were caring for him, despite the fact that I kept my diabetes regimen up.

So yeah, stress can do it to ya.

Some folks swear by meditation and yoga -- two things I've been meaning to get around to doing for, well, forever. In the meantime, music helps me a lot. So does 70%+ (or even unsweetened) chocolate. And one glass of wine at night sure doesn't hurt.

Getting into a diabetic routine likely helps most of all. And that takes time. I'm still working on it.

If I'm taking Metformin, can I have a glass of wine, do you know? I would love a glass of white wine from time to time.

 

[foxl]

Oh, absolutely.

You should see the 3 days after my did my tax return, this year.

I apparently have LADA-2 which means I also have IR. I would add, adrenal-triggered hepatic IR.

 

[Shalynne]

I'm thinking I need to check my stress baggage at the door and start looking after ME. Obviously, not looking after ME has put me in this situation.

Thanks for the input.

I'm learning that lesson too!

 

[SandraO]

I'm thinking a glass of wine is in my future! We enjoy getting out rv'ing on the weekends and I was thinking that my occasional camping glass of wine was gone forever. Thank you for renewing my faith that not everything enjoyable is gone forever!!!

Cheers!

 

[moon]

If I'm taking Metformin, can I have a glass of wine, do you know? I would love a glass of white wine from time to time.

When I have a glass of red wine my bg goes down. The liver is too busy dealing with the toxin to release any glucose. Some have a glass of wine every evening.

One piece of good news!

 

[foxl]

Red is okay but white is a bit more carby ...

 

[moon]

<deleted a tome!>

 

[SandraO]

Unfortunately red wine gives me a screaming migraine, so I stay away from red wine. Perhaps the occasional glass of white wine would be okay. When I say occasional, I am not a huge drinker and maybe have six glasses of white wine a year.

 

[jwags]

I do a glass or two of red wine with dinner most nights. It keeps my bgs in a nice stable range 80-100. I am on the maximum amount of metformin. I think the stress is worse for your bgs . My philosophy is it is all about the bgs.

 

[lia]

I am under a huge amount of stress at home right now due to medical issues with my dad and a few other things, and I am wondering if stress can cause blood sugar levels to rise?

I tend to be a "people pleaser" and this adds to my level of stress tremedously.

I've been suspicious about stress adding to bg levels for awhile now. Most of mine is just self imposed, trying to get something done.

If you want to please people, you've picked a hard road. Can't be done for everyone. On the positive side, you'll get to be one of the most agile people socially, as you try to fit in with everyone's mood and biases. It's probably good mental exercise.

If I'm taking Metformin, can I have a glass of wine, do you know? I would love a glass of white wine from time to time.

Alcohol is a fat, not a sugar. White wine might add a bit to your bg readings if it is sweet, but not much.

I tend to prefer hard liquor, which only has trace amounts of carbs in it. I do not have much of a sense of taste or smell, which might have something to do with it. That certainly makes buying alcohol simple. I just walk into the store and ask 'where's a big bottle of your cheapest?'

I usually have a bit every day. I had a grandfather who had a shot of straight vodka every day until he was a hundred. Toward the end I heard from my sister that the nasty people in his seniors home were mixing his vodka with water.

Statistically, a single drink a day lowers your heart attack risk, and that's a major risk for a diabetic.

 

[Shanny]

Actually, alcohol is a group unto itself, but is sometimes categorized as sugar. Food Energy Sources

 

[onlymep]

yep, stress certainly does raise BGLs. I'm being told all the time not to stress... but seriously I find it hard to avoid completely. I find the slightest adrenaline rush can raise my BGLs very quick to a level I don't like to see (I'm asked by specialist, "what's stressing you at the moment?"... um most likely being sick constantly yeah that's it.... I'm thinking how would you cope burping day and night with pain and all? it doesn't take einstein to figure out this just wears you out). I'm having to try and manage another chronic disorder now and stress makes it worse apparently according to GI specialist.... maybe getting me better may help there. I just don't think there's ever enough resources available to do everything you would like to do to look after you... I try my best and that's all. Do this, do that... really stresses me in itself. lol. I love my dry red wines too, but I've stayed away from alcohol due to my stomach disorder. I have been told though that you should use soda water to reduce the carb content of alcohol for diabetes.

 

[fiesta]

Good morning,

I'm just wondering what effect stress has on blood sugar levels? I am under a huge amount of stress at home right now due to medical issues with my dad and a few other things, and I am wondering if stress can cause blood sugar levels to rise?

I tend to be a "people pleaser" and this adds to my level of stress tremedously. This has been the case for about 3 years now and I don't see it changing anytime soon.

Anyone have any opinions on this?

Also, I am a "stress eater" and when I get super stressed about something I tend to head to the fridge or pantry. I have now stopped doing that and am trying really hard to eat properly.

When I am under stress, it raises my BG. I do not worry about it. I know that it is due to my stress and not what I am eating. Do you eat more food when you are under stress? Do you exercise less under stress? Keep to your diet and exercise program when you are under stress.

Exercise lessens my stress.

Ruth

 

[foxl]

I just found a book on this topic, buying it used online ...
"The Mind-Body Diabetes Revolution: The Proven Way to Control Your Blood Sugar by Managing Stress, Depression, Anger and Other Emotions (Marlowe Diabetes Library)"
Ph.D. Richard S. Surwit Ph.D.;

Will let you know if it is any good.

 

[Rosa]

I'm on prednisone for a muscle disease. I'm told it can raise blood pressure and blood SUGAR - and it sure has, especially the sugar. Anyone else in this position? I have no choice about taking the prednisone; without it I can't walk. Thanks in advance for any replies I get.

 

[Patdart]

Since I'm facing the same crisis, I'm eagerly awaiting your responses.