Stress and Diabetes

It’s no secret that diabetes (specifically, Type II Diabetes) is on the rise in America, much to the dismay of many health experts. Type II Diabetes is considered a lifestyle disease, and as such is considered preventable. Unlike Type I where the pancreas makes insufficient amounts of insulin, Type II results when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, not allowing them to take up glucose in the blood, hence making the blood syrupy. This leads to a whole host of health problems. Stress plays a HUGE role in diabetes. Under stress, the body secretes a flood of hormones which are responsible for umpteen metabolic reactions necessary for fight or flight. One result of the metabolic stress response is to increase glucose into the blood so that energy is available for fight or flight. Getting stressed while sitting at a keyboard and computer screen is problematic for blood sugar levels. The bottom line is this: Stress elevates blood sugar levels. Chronic stress perpetually increases blood sugar levels, which is why taking proper steps to decrease stress levels (from effective coping techniques to essential relaxation techniques, including physical) is essential.

• Stress Tip(s) for the Day
Take time each day to relax: sit quietly with your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. You can help control elevated blood sugar levels with exercise AND other relaxation techniques. Walking is one of THE best forms of physical exercise.

• Links/Books Worth Noting:
Diabetes is a complex disease and this blog entry has only scratched the surface. For more information please consider visiting this link(s):

http://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/content/18/2/121.full.pdf

• Photo of the Day:
The ski season is rapidly coming to a close (sigh). I went out to Copper Mountain a few weeks ago with a buddy of mine and asked him to pose for this shot (and many others … thanks Eddie!). Eddie, in turn took me on the black diamond run from hell, (how do you say multiple face plants?) so we are even.

• Quote for the Day:
“Life is not over because you have diabetes. Make the most of what you have, be grateful.”— Dale Evans Rogers (Roy Roger’s wife)

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Brian Luke Seaward

Author Brian Luke Seaward

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