You don’t need to be a scientist to understand that emotional disorders can have serious effects on physical health. Continued stress can cause more serious problems and may make a person more susceptible to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and ulcers, and these conditions may be exacerbated if they are already present.
If you have diabetes, stress hormones can raise blood sugar levels. Recent studies have shown that patients who are stressed or depressed are more likely to have strokes, heart failure, or other serious heart disease.
Why is stress so dangerous to the heart?
Diabetes also affects the heart. 68% of people aged 65 and older with diabetes die of heart disease.
The results of one study showed that chronic stress or depression was also associated with higher levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of arterial inflammation.
Of course, behavior also plays an important role. “It’s the 22nd military rule,” said Eliot LeBow, a clinical social worker, psychotherapist and diabetes educator. “Attention, focus and willpower are all essential to diabetes self-management, but when feeling depressed, it can lack these things and make patients less likely to take care of themselves.”
The relationship between diabetes and stress
Diabetes can also bring other problems. For example, high blood sugar can lead to symptoms similar to depression or exacerbation of already depressed symptoms, such as lack of energy, memory loss, and changes in sleep patterns, Elliott said.
Another problem is that people with the disease often blame themselves for having it, said Kara Harrington, PhD, a psychologist at the Joslin Diabetes Center.
Sometimes, patients are also affected by comments from friends or family members. “They may also inform that they don’t bother to care or simply don’t care, but what I usually observe is that they care too much about that. So they’re usually upset about higher blood glucose readings or poor glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test results,” she said.
How do I get help?
Find ways to relieve stress. Try meditation, deep breathing, or walking.
Remember that the number is just that: a number. The blood glucose reading is just a hint of what to do next, such as taking more insulin or eating a carbohydrate-rich diet.
Join a support group. Whether online or in person, talking to others who can share your condition can help ease feelings of isolation.
Raise money for people with diabetes. Signing up for a walkathon or other fundraising event is a great way to feel more connected to others.