Stress and glucose levels

You probably know that too much stress is bad for your health. But did you know that it can also raise your glucose levels? This is how it works:

Regardless of whether your stress is triggered by a physical or psychological cause, a spike in glucose is inevitable,³ which is why it’s so vital to monitor your glucose levels during stressful periods. It has been shown that chronic stress can lead to the development of Type 2 diabetes.⁴ Besides, it is always advisable to limit stress whenever possible to help maintain good general health and well-being.⁵ 

ABDOMINAL BREATHING

Abdominal breathing is a relaxation technique that focuses on breathing deeply so the abdomen rises on the inhale and falls on the exhale. It is used to help shift the body away from shallow chest breathing, which often occurs during stress.⁶
Here’s how:
Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Breathe in slowly through your nose so your abdomen rises, then breathe out so your abdomen falls. Try to keep your chest relatively still and repeat for several breaths.⁶

EXERCISE – AND BEYOND

Other types of relaxation techniques include autogenic training,⁷ progressive muscle relaxation (PMR)⁸ and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).⁹ You can find out more about them online and, if one appeals, you could try attending a specialist course in your area to learn more from a trained coach. Of course, these types of techniques aren’t for everyone. You may prefer something more active – any type of physical activity will be beneficial to your general wellbeing and should also help you to manage tension and reduce your stress levels.¹⁰

Disclaimer: The information provided is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician or qualified health provider regarding your condition and appropriate medical treatment. Individual symptoms, situations and circumstances may vary.