Does fear increase sugar levels? How do nerves affect diabetes? Can sugar rise due to nervousness? How to regulate the condition using folk remedies

Stress and blood sugar levels are directly related. With nervous overstrain, two processes occur, the result of which is hyperglycemia - an increase in blood glucose.

For a healthy person, the normal blood sugar level is 3.3–5.5 mmol/l when analyzed from capillary blood. This level is an axiom. However, even in a healthy person these values ​​can increase significantly. One of the most important factors that directly influences increases in blood sugar is stress.

Impact of stress

Stress is the body’s reaction to overexertion, negative emotions, a long routine and other unfavorable factors.

Stress means not only any problems and unpleasant situations, but also the recovery period after operations or serious illnesses that have significantly depleted the body’s strength.

Despite the fact that scientists have established that the onset of a disease such as diabetes is primarily influenced by hereditary predisposition, the influence of stress cannot be excluded.

There are proven cases where a nervous shock not only temporarily increased the level of glucose in the blood, but also served as an impetus for the onset of diabetes. Moreover, the disease can manifest itself in both the first and second types.

Among other things, stress also reduces human immunity, opening the gates to various infections. Scientists have found that an increased heart rate is directly related to the appearance of excess weight and the onset of diabetes.

The mechanism of the effect of stress on glucose


Any, even minor, negative emotions can stimulate the body's defenses. This leads to a decrease in internal protective reserves. Metabolic disorders are also one of the major symptoms, the source of which is stress.

With severe nervous tension, the body reduces the release of insulin, reducing its level in the human body, inhibiting the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and sexual functions. All forces are mobilized to fight the source of excitation.

Under stress, an involuntary basal inhibition of insulin secretion occurs, and the release of sugar molecules from the body's reserves also increases. As a result, a hyperglycemic state develops and a lack of insulin in the body.

Insulin secretion tends to its minimum values ​​during physical activity, lack of nutrition and nervous tension. In these conditions, the body urgently needs carbohydrates and fats.

The hormone cortisol is normally vital for the body. It helps wound healing, improves performance, and stimulates the body. The release of cortisol during stress increases significantly compared to a state of rest. It interacts with several other hormones that affect vasoconstriction. Cortisol also affects carbohydrate metabolism in the body.

It increases the rate of protein breakdown and partially blocks their production. The hormone also affects fat metabolism in the body. Under its action, the breakdown of fats and the production of cholesterol are accelerated.

The dissolution and absorption of calcium, which is directly involved in many metabolic processes in the body, slows down in the intestines.

An increased level of the hormone cortisol in a person’s blood creates excessive stress on the body. And if there is a predisposition to a disease such as diabetes in the hereditary history, then it can be activated under the influence of all these factors.

At the same time, the pancreas begins to produce glycogen, which can be broken down into glucose molecules. Also, under stress, the protective functions of cells are activated. The body stops accumulating and storing energy, releasing it into the blood. Thus, the sensitivity of some tissues to insulin is impaired.

How to lower blood sugar


It has been established that under the influence of acute or chronic stress, in addition to a one-time release of glucose into the blood, a person may develop such a terrible disease as diabetes.

If a blood test shows an increased sugar level, then first of all you need to try to eliminate the source of stress and stop being nervous.

It is also important to switch to a diet prescribed for prediabetes, eliminating fats and sugars from the diet. It is advisable to consult a doctor about this problem and retest your blood sugar levels after three months.

Additionally, weight changes need to be assessed. If the increased glucose level occurred due to a depressive state, then perhaps the reason lies precisely in a change in body weight.

You can also explore ways to further relax and take your mind off stressors. Breathing exercises, sports for the soul, relaxation, perhaps a new hobby - all this will help normalize your state of mind and prevent the body from developing the disease.

Increased sugar levels in diabetic patients


Elevated glucose levels develop according to the same principle as in a healthy person. Problems begin later, when the danger has passed and the process of leveling blood sugar should begin. Special compensatory reactions of the body should gradually bring the metabolism to a state corresponding to the norm. However, in a patient with diabetes, the ability to deal with such a significant release of glucose into the blood is reduced or absent.

Existing mechanisms for normalizing metabolism either do not work, or work, but insufficiently.

The consequences of stress can be such serious diseases as:

  • disorders of the cardiovascular system;
  • disorders of the kidneys;
  • various leg diseases may become more active;
  • increased susceptibility to strokes;
  • Blindness may develop.

British scientists have also found that stress can cause memory loss in diabetic patients.

For prevention, the use of mineral complexes containing zinc is also recommended. This element has the property of controlling blood sugar. It helps the pancreas work by producing insulin. It also facilitates the entry of adrenaline into cells.

For people living with diabetes, it is very important to learn how to deal with stress and its consequences. A healthy lifestyle should not become a recommendation, but a permanent occurrence. A positive attitude and an optimistic outlook on the world around you is an excellent prevention against stress. It is this life position that allows you to mitigate the negative effects of nervous tension and alleviate the symptoms of diabetes.

Stress and anxiety negatively affect your health. Such stress provokes the development of diseases.

At the same time, due to nervousness, blood pressure and blood sugar can increase, forming diabetes mellitus.

The nervous system and sugar are interconnected. When overexerted, the body releases stress hormones that affect the amount of glucose. This triggers the body's protective functions. A huge amount of energy is generated in order to protect ourselves and escape from a dangerous situation. Glucose levels may be 9.7 mmol/L. despite the fact that the norm is from 3 to 5.5 mmol/l.

Different systems of the body take part in metabolic processes, namely:

  • pituitary,
  • adrenal glands,
  • hypothalamus,
  • pancreas,
  • sympathetic division of the nervous system.

During stress, the adrenal glands release hormones - adrenaline, cortisol, norepinephrine. Cortisol increases the liver's ability to produce glucose and inhibits its absorption, increases appetite, and the desire to eat sweet, fatty foods. Stress increases the amount of cortisol and sugar in the blood. When the hormone is normal, blood pressure stabilizes, wound healing accelerates, and the immune system strengthens. An increase in cortisol provokes the development of diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disease, and weight loss.

Adrenaline promotes the conversion of glycogen into energy, norepinephrine works with fats.

Cholesterol is produced more intensively, which leads to blood clots.

If energy is used at this time, pathogenic processes do not start in the body.

Under stress, all processes work faster; the pancreas does not have time to process sugar, which is actively supplied from reserves. Therefore, insulin levels increase and type 2 diabetes develops.

Stress in type 2 diabetes provokes an increase in glucose to a critical level.

The question of whether sugar rises from nerves can be answered unequivocally. Even if you are overweight or pre-diabetic, hypoglycemia can occur and a person can fall into a hypoglycemic coma.

Since diabetes affects the nervous system, a pathology called peripheral diabetic neuropathy develops. The nervous system is affected when the dose of insulin is correctly selected and when the endocrine disease is properly treated. After 5 years, the first signs of neuropathy appear.

Types of stress

A person faces different types of stress:

  • emotional stress of a positive or negative nature (death of a loved one, wedding, birth of a child),
  • physiological stress associated with injuries, severe physical exertion, serious illness,
  • psychological – occurs during relationships with people (quarrels, scandals).

In some cases, when making a decision, a feeling of anxiety or nervous tension arises.

Insulin and adrenaline are oppositely acting hormones that stabilize each other’s work. Insulin converts glucose into glycogen, adrenaline works the other way around. The development of diabetes on a nervous basis occurs with the death of pancreatic islets.

Nervous tension inhibits the production of insulin, and the digestive and reproductive systems suffer. To reduce insulin levels, small mental stress, fasting, and physical stress are enough. Long-term form provokes the development of type 2 diabetes. When stressed, an increase in blood sugar causes complications of diabetes.

If a person has experienced a short-term stressful situation, the body recovers. This is typical for a healthy person, but with diabetes or prediabetes, prolonged overexertion affects health.

Increased risk:

  • cardiovascular diseases,
  • diabetic nephropathy develops,
  • immunity weakens,
  • sleep disturbance,
  • renal failure develops.

An increased concentration of stress hormones enhances the work of the pancreas, converting glycogen into glucose. Working the pancreas in this mode exhausts the organ. Therefore, a person needs hypoglycemic drugs. It is important to adhere to a special diet, engage in moderate physical activity, and sometimes the doctor can give advice on how to cope with stressful situations.

If glucose levels are elevated, it is necessary to identify the cause and reduce the impact of the stressful situation. It is useful to do breathing exercises and use available relaxation methods. If necessary, take a sedative. It is necessary to carefully ensure that food products contain minimal carbohydrates. Even for a healthy person, during times of stress it is important to avoid foods high in glucose.

Neutralization of stress hormones is carried out with the help of physical activity. For example, walking at a moderate pace for 45 minutes stabilizes hormone levels and, accordingly, sugar. In addition, a walk in the fresh air has a restorative effect on the entire body. To avoid being so bored, it is recommended to listen to music. Listening to your favorite music triggers chemical processes that are responsible for feelings of happiness and euphoria.

It is impossible to completely avoid stressful situations. If you have diabetes, it is important to monitor your sugar levels and enter readings in a special notebook, where the indicator is noted during times of stress.

An active lifestyle and a positive attitude help relieve stress. An effective method is:

  • visit to a psychologist, psychotherapist, psychoneurologist for depressive diseases,
  • relaxing hobbies,
  • take vitamins that contain zinc,
  • if necessary, change work or environment,
  • sedatives, anti-anxiety, sleeping pills.

You should buy medicine to stabilize the nervous system only as prescribed by a doctor, since not all drugs are suitable for diabetics. You should be selective when choosing entertainment (books, movies, watching TV, news).

Diabetes in adolescents occurs in a special way. Sugar can rise even from a minor situation. The psycho-emotional state of adolescents during puberty is not stable, therefore, to relieve tension, the help of a psychologist is necessary.

For diabetes, you can use various soothing teas, infusions, and decoctions that reduce glucose.

  • nettle leaves,
  • Linden blossom,
  • Bay leaf,
  • clover,
  • dandelion,
  • bean flaps.

To prepare the infusion, 2 tbsp. l. raw materials are poured with 1 glass of boiling water. When the infusion has cooled, filter the broth and drink 150 ml 3 times a day.

Dandelion, especially the root part, affects insulin production. Therefore, the plant is included in herbal preparations to lower glucose.

They practice various Ayurvedic techniques for relaxation.

These include:

  • relaxing and strengthening massage using essential oils,
  • a technique for relieving stress in which warm oil is poured in a thin stream onto the forehead.

Using this method for 30-45 minutes gives a sense of inner balance and relieves tension.

The length and quality of life with diabetes directly depends on stressful situations. Therefore, it is important to avoid overstraining the nervous system.

It is difficult to imagine modern life without stress and situations that provoke it, and these factors can provoke diabetes. Stressful situations literally “lurk” a person in everyday life: in relationships, at work, in transport, in a government environment, etc. And every person needs to know that emotional stress seriously worsens health. Therefore, it is important to be able to control negative aspects and be able to cope with them.

How does stress affect the body?

The main role in the development of type 2 diabetes is played by hereditary factors with a probability of up to 90%. For type 1 diabetes, this risk is much lower and amounts to 50%. Under the influence of associated negative factors, complex chemical processes occur in the body, which subsequently leads to the development of a life-threatening disease.

With a hereditary predisposition to the disease, stress loads have a special impact on the formation of the disease. Against the background of a stressful situation that is repeated systematically, the likelihood of developing type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus increases. In sick people, emotional shocks aggravate their health and lead to negative consequences.

As a result, chronic emotional stress can cause malfunction of many organs and develop life-threatening diseases. Negative impacts on human health:

  • disruption of the endocrine glands;
  • provoking kidney diseases;
  • disorders of the heart and blood vessels;
  • vein diseases and leg problems;
  • blindness;
  • deterioration of the immune system;
  • stroke.

Can stress trigger diabetes and why?

Under stress and emotional stress, there is an increased production of stress hormones: cortisol and adrenaline. The latter, in turn, cause an increase in blood glucose levels. This is due to the need for energy to overcome stress. In order to reduce blood sugar, compensation reactions must occur in the body, which are very weakened in people prone to diabetes.

Glucose is necessary to combat stress.

Negative health processes occur against the background of stress. The body is forced to mobilize all resources to overcome its influence. The main source of energy needed to overcome stress is glucose. As a result, the level of glucose and insulin in the blood will increase. It is enough to observe your body in various states yourself, measuring your sugar level with a regular glucometer. You can analyze how the glucose level will increase in a state of stress and how much the sugar level can rise, as well as how the indicator changes when using relaxation techniques.

Regular emotional shocks and elevated insulin levels lead to the pancreas being in a state of systematic “shock.” With associated factors, this condition significantly increases the risk of diabetes mellitus. Often systematic stress may be quite enough to trigger the mechanisms of disease development.

Stress control and relief

It is impossible to completely prevent emotional upheavals. But it is quite possible to minimize stress, thus eliminating the factor that triggers the formation of diabetes. Methods for relieving stress include physiological and psychological techniques. Maintaining an active lifestyle, healthy physical activity, and the ability to cope with emotions and “release” them rather than accumulate them help combat the negative impact of stressful situations.

To prevent an increase in blood sugar levels, and subsequently insulin levels, it is important to adhere to the following recommendations:

  • practice yoga and conduct meditation exercises;
  • try exercises aimed at alternating tension and relaxation of various muscle groups;
  • take a contrast shower;
  • learn to analyze stressful situations and practice liberation from excess emotions;
  • find a relaxing hobby that has a positive effect on your health.

Our readers write

Subject: Conquered diabetes

From: Galina S. ( [email protected])

To: Site Administration

At the age of 47, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. In a few weeks I gained almost 15 kg. Constant fatigue, drowsiness, feeling of weakness, vision began to fade.

And here is my story

When I turned 55, I was already steadily injecting myself with insulin, everything was very bad... The disease continued to develop, periodic attacks began, the ambulance literally brought me back from the other world. I always thought that this time would be the last...

Everything changed when my daughter gave me an article to read on the Internet. You can’t imagine how grateful I am to her for this. helped me completely get rid of diabetes, a supposedly incurable disease. Over the last 2 years I have started to move more; in the spring and summer I go to the dacha every day, grow tomatoes and sell them at the market. My aunts are surprised how I manage to do everything, where so much strength and energy comes from, they still can’t believe that I’m 66 years old.

Who wants to live a long, energetic life and forget about this terrible disease forever, take 5 minutes and read.

Doctors consider stress to be the main factor in the development of diabetes. Unrest is extremely dangerous for people who already have endocrine disorders.

After all, they can cause a number of serious complications. The article will tell you why blood sugar increases due to stress and what to do in this case.

Features of carbohydrate metabolism during periods of strong excitement

Carbohydrate metabolism is regulated by the reciprocal influence of insulin produced in the pancreas, hormones of the anterior pituitary gland and adrenal glands.

Most of the functions of the endocrine glands are subordinate to the work of higher brain centers.

Claude Bernard proved back in 1849 that irritation of the hypothalamus is followed by an increase in glycogen and an increase in the concentration of sugar in the serum.

Can blood sugar increase due to nervousness?

As reviews from healthy people show, blood sugar may increase slightly due to nervousness.

An increase in glycemia is also observed in patients with diabetes.

Doctors confirm that during stress, glucose levels can increase to 9.7 mmol/l. Frequent nervous breakdowns, worries, and mental disorders provoke a malfunction of the pancreas.

As a result, insulin production decreases and plasma sugar concentration increases. This is a prerequisite for the development of diabetes. During nervous breakdowns, the synthesis of adrenaline is activated. This hormone affects metabolic processes, including causing high serum glucose levels.

Under the influence of insulin, sugar is converted into glycogen and accumulates in the liver. Under the influence of adrenaline, glycogen is broken down and transformed into glucose. This is how insulin action is suppressed.

About the production of anti-stress hormones (glucocorticoids) by the adrenal cortex

The adrenal cortex synthesizes glucocorticosteroids, which affect carbohydrate metabolism and electrolyte balance.

These substances also have a powerful anti-shock and anti-stress effect. Their level increases sharply with severe bleeding, injury, and stress.

This is how the body adapts to a difficult situation. Glucocorticoids increase the sensitivity of vessel walls to catecholamines, increase blood pressure, and stimulate erythropoiesis in the bone marrow.

How does chronic stress affect a diabetic and what complications can it lead to?

Diabetes (even with strict adherence to the endocrinologist's instructions and maintaining sugar levels within normal limits) leads to complications.

If the patient is in a state of strong psycho-emotional stress, the negative consequences of the disease occur much earlier.

Stress hormones inhibit the synthesis of insulin in the pancreas, which is necessary to remove excess glucose from the plasma. Some substances produced during stress and nervousness contribute to insulin resistance.

Being exposed to anxiety, a person diagnosed with diabetes may stop caring about his health: start consuming forbidden foods and not monitoring his glycemic level. During stress, the synthesis of cortisol is activated, which increases appetite.

Excess pounds increase the risk of heart attacks. Also, emotional stress causes disruptions in the functioning of many organs and systems, leading to the development of dangerous diseases.

Chronic stress can affect a person by causing the following pathologies:

  • blindness;
  • stroke;
  • thrombosis;
  • hypertension;
  • insufficiency of kidney function;
  • problems with the cardiovascular system;
  • diabetic ketoacidosis;
  • hormonal imbalance in women;
  • disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine glands;
  • weakened immunity;
  • diabetic nephropathy.

Afobazole, other sedatives and hypnotics for diabetes

During times of stress, diabetics often have trouble sleeping. To combat anxiety, doctors recommend taking sleeping pills and sedatives. One of the popular medications is Afobazol.

The remedy is indicated for disorders of the nervous system, headaches, increased irritability and anxiety, fatigue and other consequences of strong experiences.

Afobazol tablets

Afobazole, unlike a number of other drugs, is allowed to be taken for arterial hypertension and cardiac ischemia. If for some reason a diabetic is unable to take these pills, they should be replaced with medications that are similar in composition and therapeutic effect.

The only analogue of Afobazole is Neurofazol. But treatment is carried out by placing droppers (which is not always convenient for the patient).

The following tablets have a similar effect on the body:

  • Phenibut;
  • Divaza;
  • Adaptol;
  • Mebiker;
  • Fesipam;
  • Tranquesipam;
  • Strezam;
  • Elzepam;
  • Tenoten;
  • Noofen;
  • Phenorelaxan;
  • Phenazepam.

The drug Novo-Passit is considered safer. It contains St. John's wort, guaifesin, valerian, lemon balm and a number of other herbs with a calming effect.

The medicine perfectly helps with insomnia and relieves anxiety. The advantage is speed, efficiency and safety. The downside is the appearance of daytime sleepiness.

What to do in case of stress-induced increase in blood glucose?

If, after strong experiences, the glucometer shows an elevated blood sugar level, the first thing a person needs to do is stop being nervous.

To do this, you should sit down and calm down. If you cannot do this on your own, you should take a sedative. A gentle diet with a minimum content of carbohydrates in the diet is indicated.

Even if the concentration of glycemia in the blood begins to decrease, it is better to consult an endocrinologist and undergo a series of examinations. It is mandatory to take a plasma test for sugar and check glycated hemoglobin once every three months. If you are overweight, you need to get rid of it: excess body weight leads to insulin resistance.

Permitted sedatives for type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Pharmacists offer people with type 1 (type 2) diabetes a wide selection of sedatives.

Sedatives, depending on their spectrum of action, are divided into groups:

  • tranquilizers (Mezapam, Rudotel, Grandaxin, Oxazepam);
  • antidepressants (Amitriptyline, Pyrazidol, Imizin, Azafen);
  • nootropic medications (Piracet, Nootropil);
  • neuroleptics (Eglonil, Sonapax, Frenolone).

There are also herbal and homeopathic preparations.

For example, Sedistress, Corvalol, Valocordin, tinctures of hawthorn, peony, motherwort, valerian tablets. They calm the nerves, have a gentle effect on the body, and relieve spasms.

They are allowed to be taken by a child, as well as during pregnancy. Such medications are used for psychomotor agitation and heart rhythm disturbances.

Corvalol

The choice of medication depends on the diagnosis. For depressive-hypochondriacal syndrome, diabetics are prescribed antidepressants and restoratives; for obsessive-phobic syndrome, antipsychotics are prescribed.

How to regulate the condition using folk remedies?

Traditional recipes can help calm the nerves and reduce the concentration of sugar in the serum. Various herbs in the form of infusions, teas, and decoctions lower plasma glucose.

The most effective are the leaves of blueberry, nettle, linden blossom, bay leaf, clover, dandelion and bean leaves.

To prepare the infusion, you need to pour two heaped tablespoons of a glass of boiling water. Allow the mixture to cool for a couple of hours at room temperature and strain. You should drink the medicine three times a day, 150 ml.

All parts of dandelion and burdock, especially the root zone, contain insulin. Therefore, it is advisable to include such plants in herbal preparations to reduce glycemic levels. Tea with rose hips, hawthorn or currant leaves also helps diabetics bring sugar levels back to normal and calm nerves.

  • take 4 parts of burdock roots, lingonberry and blueberry leaves, corn silk, 2 parts of St. John's wort and mint, dried wort and some rose hips;
  • mix all ingredients;
  • Pour two heaped tablespoons into a thermos and pour 1.5 liters of boiling water;
  • leave for 9 hours and strain;
  • drink 125 ml 25 minutes before the main meal;
  • treatment course – 2-3 months.

Ayurveda for stress resistance

According to Ayurveda, diabetes mellitus is the result of a lack of self-realization, internal experiences, and stress is a condition in which a person’s mind is out of balance.

To increase stress resistance, various Ayurvedic techniques are used:

  • Abhyanga– relaxing and restorative massage with body oiling;
  • Shirodhara– a procedure during which a thin stream of warm oil is poured onto the forehead. Effectively relieves mental and nervous tension;
  • Complications Low blood sugar: symptoms of low glucose in diabetics and healthy people

Severe stress is a difficult test for the whole body. It can cause serious disruptions in the functioning of internal organs and cause many chronic diseases, such as hypertension, stomach ulcers and even oncology. Some endocrinologists are confident that stress can lead to the development of such a dangerous disease as diabetes.

But what effect do physical and emotional experiences have on the pancreas and can blood sugar increase due to nervousness? To understand this issue, it is necessary to understand what happens to a person during stress and how it affects sugar levels and glucose absorption.

Types of stress

Before talking about the effects of stress on the human body, it is necessary to clarify what exactly constitutes a stressful state. According to medical classification, it is divided into the following categories.

Emotional stress. Occurs as a result of strong emotional experiences. It is important to note that it can be both positive and negative. Negative experiences include: threat to life and health, loss of a loved one, loss of expensive property. Positive: birth of a child, wedding, big win.

Physiological stress. Serious injury, painful shock, excessive physical activity, serious illness, surgery.

Psychological. Difficulties in relationships with other people, frequent quarrels, scandals, misunderstandings.

Management stress. The need to make difficult decisions that are decisive for the life of a person and his loved ones.

Causes of increased sugar during stress

Sugar level

In medical language, a sharp jump in blood sugar during a stressful situation is called “stress-induced hyperglycemia.” The main reason for this condition is the active production of corticosteroid hormones and adrenaline by the adrenal glands.

Adrenaline has a great impact on human metabolism, causing a significant increase in blood sugar and increased tissue metabolism. However, the role of adrenaline in increasing glucose levels does not end there.

With prolonged exposure to stress on a person, the concentration of adrenaline in his blood steadily increases, which affects the hypothalamus and triggers the work of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system. This activates the production of the stress hormone cortisol.

Cortisol is a glucocorticosteroid hormone, the main task of which is to regulate human metabolism in a stressful situation, and especially carbohydrate metabolism.

By acting on liver cells, cortisol causes increased production of glucose, which is immediately released into the blood. At the same time, the hormone significantly reduces the ability of muscle tissue to process sugar, thereby maintaining a high energy balance in the body.

The fact is that regardless of the cause of stress, the body reacts to it as a serious danger that threatens human health and life. For this reason, it begins to actively produce energy, which should help a person hide from the threat or fight it.

However, most often the cause of severe stress in a person is situations that do not require great physical strength or endurance. Many people experience serious stress before exams or surgery, worrying about losing their job or other difficult life situations.

In other words, a person does not perform high physical activity and does not process the glucose that fills his blood into clean energy. Even a completely healthy person in such a situation may feel a certain discomfort.

But if a person has a predisposition to diabetes or suffers from excess weight, then such strong experiences can lead to the development of hyperglycemia, which in turn can cause complications such as.

Stress is especially dangerous for people who have already been diagnosed with diabetes, since in this case the sugar level can rise to a critical level due to a disturbance in the production of insulin. Therefore, all people with high glucose levels, especially those with type 2 diabetes, should take care of their nervous system and avoid serious stress.

To lower your sugar levels during stress, you must first eliminate the cause of your worries and calm your nerves by taking a sedative. And so that sugar does not start to rise again, it is important to learn to remain calm in any situation, for which you can practice breathing exercises, meditation and other relaxation methods.

In addition, diabetic patients should always have a dose of insulin with them, even if the next injection is not due soon. This will quickly lower the patient’s glucose level during stress and prevent the development of dangerous complications.

It is also important to note that sometimes hidden inflammatory processes, of which the patient may not even be aware, become serious stress for the body.

However, they can also provoke illness, as when sugar regularly rises to critical levels.

Damage to the nervous system

The human nervous system can suffer from diabetes not only under the influence of severe stress, but also directly due to high blood sugar levels. Damage to the nervous system in diabetes mellitus is a very common complication of this disease, which occurs to one degree or another in all people with high glucose levels.

Most often, the peripheral nervous system suffers from a lack of insulin or insensitivity of internal tissues to it. This pathology is called peripheral diabetic neuropathy and is divided into two main categories - distal symmetric neuropathy and diffuse autonomic neuropathy.

With distal symmetrical neuropathy, the nerve endings of the upper and lower extremities are mainly affected, as a result of which they lose their sensitivity and mobility.

Distal symmetric neuropathy comes in four main types:

  1. Sensory form, occurring with damage to sensory nerves;
  2. Motor form, in which the motor nerves are mainly affected;
  3. Sensorimotor form, affecting both motor and sensory nerves;
  4. Proximal amyotrophy includes a whole complex of pathologies of the peripheral neuromuscular system.

Diffuse autonomic neuropathy disrupts the functioning of internal organs and body systems and, in severe cases, leads to their complete failure. With this pathology, damage is possible:

  1. Of cardio-vascular system. Manifests itself in the form of arrhythmia, high blood pressure and even myocardial infarction;
  2. Gastrointestinal tract. Leads to the development of atony of the stomach and gallbladder, as well as night diarrhea;
  3. Genitourinary system. Causes urinary incontinence and frequent urge to urinate. Often leads to sexual impotence;
  4. Partial damage to other organs and systems (lack of pupillary reflex, increased sweating, etc.).

The first signs of neuropathy begin to appear in a patient on average 5 years after diagnosis. Damage to the nervous system will occur even with proper medical therapy and a sufficient number of insulin injections.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that remains practically incurable even if you put all your effort into it. Therefore, you should not fight nephropathy, but try to prevent its complications, the likelihood of which especially increases in the absence of proper body care and incorrect dosage of insulin. The video in this article will talk about stress in diabetes.