We tend to view stress as toxic to our minds. We generally don’t consider its potentially harmful effects on the body but the physical effects of stress are profound.
Stress plays a direct role in how our body responds to the hormones that raise blood sugar levels. Under stress, our body goes into fight-or-flight mode, raising blood sugar levels to prepare us for action. If your cells are insulin resistant, the sugar builds up in your blood, with nowhere to go.
Our stress hormones are designed to deal with short-term dangers and when they are turned on for long periods of time, what we are doing is stewing, which can cause chronically high levels of blood sugar.
Chill Out to Rein in Blood Sugar
Controlling stress with relaxation therapy, seems to help control high blood sugar. Simple relaxation exercises and other stress management techniques can help you gain more control over blood sugar levels.
Of course, having diabetes is in itself, a source of stress- one that’s unlikely to go away-There’s plenty you can do to reduce the stress of living with diabetes.
First, seek out a diabetes support group. People in these groups can also give you tips on how they cope with stresses in their lives.
Confronting diabetes related stress head-on can help, too.
Ask yourself what aspects of living with diabetes stresses you the most. Is it taking your medications? Checking your blood sugar levels regularly? Eating the way you should, rather than the way you would like to? Exercising?
For help in dealing with any of these issues, go to a member of your diabetes team. Talking about the issues you face as a person with diabetes can help you come to grips with these challenges and learn new and better ways of coping with stress.
For more diabetic information and tips – Visit Diabetes Central
The weather can affect your blood glucose control and insulin requirements. Some people experience a sudden decline in their insulin requirements when a long period of cool weather is abruptly interrupted by significantly warmer weather. In such individuals, insulin requirements will rise as winter occurs and drop in the summer. This change may relate to the increased dilation of peripheral blood vessels during warm weather and resultant increased delivery of glucose and insulin to peripheral tissues.
If you find your blood glucose suddenly going unusually high or low and the weather is changing, test often and talk with your doctor about adjusting your treatment routine.
For more diabetic information and tips – Visit Diabetes Central
Flu and Insulin intake:
When you lose your appetite due to flu, check your blood sugar frequently.
Administer your insulin dosage based on your blood sugar levels.
Insulin injection sites:
Vary injection sites within the same basic area (preferably the abdomen). This provides predictable insulin absorption and improves glycemic control.
To cut fat calories at a restaurant:
Ask for low-fat meat (sirloin, chicken, or fish). Order meat broiled or grilled. Specify a serving weight-4 to 6 ounces.
Look at the palm of your hand, this will give you a good idea of the correct portion to order.
When dining out:
Don’t be afraid to ask for special preparations that will help you follow your meal plan. Ask for salad dressing on the side, broiled vs. fried foods and healthy side dish substitutions.
To help prevent high or low blood sugar during car trips:
Start early
Exercise before leaving
Have a form of quick-absorbing sugar, such as orange juice or regular soft drink handy
Keep your meter close at hand
Check your blood sugar often:
Studies show that frequent testing leads to improved control.
Improved control reduces the risk of long-term complications resulting from diabetes.
To get a good drop of blood:
Warm fingers
Let arm hang down at side for a few seconds
Squeeze finger below joint close to tip for 3 seconds
