Kettering Health Network is a faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare system that improves quality of life through healthcare and education. The Network has eight hospitals: Grandview, Kettering, Sycamore, Southview, Greene Memorial, Fort Hamilton, Kettering Behavioral Health and Soin. Affiliated with Harvard Medical School, Joslin is a global leader in diabetes treatment, research, and education. For more information, visit www.ketteringhealth.org
If you have diabetes, you probably know that eating too many sugary foods is bad for your blood sugar. But did you know that stress can be bad, too?
Perhaps the first thing to know about diabetes is that it isn’t just one disease. It’s actually a group of diseases characterized by high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. It may be that the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin — a hormone involved in turning food into glucose, which the body uses for energy. Another possibility is that the body isn’t using insulin effectively.
Whatever the case, the end result is too much sugar in the blood. And excessive amounts of blood sugar can harm organs and lead to serious problems.
Stress can quickly cause blood sugar to spike or fall. It also can overwhelm and derail wellness plans, which can affect blood sugar. If you have diabetes, it’s important to make managing stress a part of your overall goals.
Don’t bottle up what’s bothering you.
An honest conversation with a colleague, loved one, counselor, or adviser can often keep you moving and thinking in positive and productive ways. “You may want to join a support group,” says Mike Walendzak, RN, BSN, a diabetes educator with Joslin Diabetes Centers at Kettering Health Network. “In a support group, you can get advice from experts to help you better manage your diabetes.”
Take time to think.
Carefully consider your actions so that your emotions don’t get the best of you, causing you to say or do something you might regret. “Keep your sense of humor,” advises Walendzak. “Laughing is a great stress reliever.”
Divide and conquer.
Split large projects into smaller tasks, keep careful to-do lists, and stay organized.
Make wellness a priority.
You’ll be better prepared for challenges if you get at least 30 minutes of exercise almost every day, eat healthy foods, and get enough sleep.
Strive for balance in your life.
Daily life has its demands, but it’s important to save time for yourself. Do what you enjoy, whether that’s working at a hobby or reading a book.
Take 5 (or 10).
A quick walk, a chat with colleagues, or a few moments to breathe deeply can clear the mind, calm thoughts, and give you time to regroup. “Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing can go a long way to relieve stress,” Walendzak says.
About the Author