3 days Ago
With relentless deadlines and outdated expectations, stress has become a constant companion for millions. While its toll on mental health is well acknowledged, its impact on physical health—particularly blood sugar regulation—remains under-recognised. This hidden risk may have serious consequences for many.
When the body encounters stress, it triggers the "fight or flight" response. The brain signals the adrenal glands to release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones mobilise energy reserves, enabling the body to respond swiftly.
While vital in short bursts, repeated stimulation from chronic stress can be harmful. Cortisol is the key player in stress-induced blood sugar imbalance. During stress, it prompts the liver to release glucose through gluconeogenesis, ensuring immediate energy.
However, cortisol also reduces insulin sensitivity, impairing glucose absorption and raising blood sugar. Over time, this can contribute to insulin resistance and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Chronic stress exacerbates blood sugar regulation.
Prolonged cortisol elevation can lead to persistent hyperglycaemia, a driver of metabolic disorders. Studies show that those facing ongoing stress—from work pressures to financial strain—are more prone to insulin resistance. Stress also fuels poor habits: unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and disrupted sleep, all of which worsen blood sugar control.
Though stress is inevitable, its effects can be managed. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and relaxation techniques like meditation help lower cortisol and stabilise blood sugar. Workplaces must also support mental well-being to reduce stress-related health risks.
Reducing stress is not only vital for mental peace—it's essential for metabolic health. The writer is the founder & CEO of Nutrition For Change. E-mail: [email protected] With relentless deadlines and outdated expectations, stress has become a constant companion for millions.
While its toll on mental health is well acknowledged, its impact on physical health—particularly blood sugar regulation—remains under-recognised. This hidden risk may have serious consequences for many. When the body encounters stress, it triggers the "fight or flight" response.
The brain signals the adrenal glands to release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones mobilise energy reserves, enabling the body to respond swiftly. While vital in short bursts, repeated stimulation from chronic stress can be harmful.
Cortisol is the key player in stress-induced blood sugar imbalance. During stress, it prompts the liver to release glucose through gluconeogenesis, ensuring immediate energy. However, cortisol also reduces insulin sensitivity, impairing glucose absorption and raising blood sugar.
Over time, this can contribute to insulin resistance and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Chronic stress exacerbates blood sugar regulation. Prolonged cortisol elevation can lead to persistent hyperglycaemia, a driver of metabolic disorders.
Studies show that those facing ongoing stress—from work pressures to financial strain—are more prone to insulin resistance. Stress also fuels poor habits: unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and disrupted sleep, all of which worsen blood sugar control. Though stress is inevitable, its effects can be managed.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and relaxation techniques like meditation help lower cortisol and stabilise blood sugar. Workplaces must also support mental well-being to reduce stress-related health risks. Reducing stress is not only vital for mental peace—it's essential for metabolic health.
The writer is the founder & CEO of Nutrition For Change. E-mail: [email protected].
