2024-03-21 10:29:00
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Diabetes is a metabolic disorder with many possible causes. Studies show that psychological stress also plays a role.
High demands at work, time pressure or conflicts in private life: there are many reasons why people are stressed. The reaction in the body is always the same. Pulse and breathing become faster, muscles tense and pupils become larger, while digestion slows down. The body is on alert. What saved the lives of our ancestors when they were fleeing wild animals is now more of a health risk, because long-term stress affects our metabolism Professional Association of German Internists (BDI) warns. Blood sugar and blood pressure rise due to the stress and can remain at a high level. This can lead to cardiovascular diseases and long-term stress also plays a role in the development of the metabolic disease diabetes.
Studies show: Stress can trigger type 2 diabetes
Stress increases blood sugar levels. It is possible that prolonged stress can even contribute to the development of diabetes (symbolic image). © Westend61/Imago
Evidence of this is provided, among other things, by a study by Tel Aviv University, in which 677 working women and men took part. For the investigation, the study authors used a questionnaire to check whether the study participants suffered from burnout, chronic fatigue syndrome. In addition, the scientists examined whether the test subjects developed type 2 diabetes over a period of three to five years. It was found that participants with burnout had a 1.8-fold increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, even after taking into account other diabetes risk factors such as age, gender, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity.
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Also a scientific team led by Professor Dr. Karl-Heinz Ladwig from the Helmholtz Zentrum München was able to demonstrate a connection between stress and the development of type 2 diabetes in two large studies (KORA and Monica). Both studies have been examining the health status of the Augsburg population for over 20 years. People with a high level of stress at work had a 45 percent higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as Ladwig said in an interview with Federal Ministry of Education and Research explained.
Stress can worsen existing diabetes
The scientists see this as an indication that stress is an independent risk factor for diabetes. Anyone who is constantly exposed to mental stress should therefore pay attention to their body, have their blood values checked regularly and do exercise. Because physical activity helps prevent diabetes. It should be loud for 30 minutes German Diabetes Foundation per day at least. Exercise makes the cells more sensitive to insulin, sugar from the blood is converted directly into energy and blood sugar levels fall.
Even if you already have diabetes, it is important to reduce stress. This is because stress activates the sympathetic nervous system (parts of the brain and the adrenal cortex), which produces a variety of stress hormones. Above all, cortisol, norepinephrine and adrenaline. These hormones cause blood sugar levels and blood fat levels to rise and reduce the effect of insulin, making diabetes more difficult to treat. It is therefore particularly important for diabetics to avoid stress or to learn suitable strategies for dealing with stress.
For example, the following are suitable:
- Autogenic training
- Breathing exercises
- Mindfulness exercises like “body scan”
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation
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This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.
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