What Can Diabetics Do To Keep Stress, Sugar Under Control During COVID-19?

By OB Bureau On Jul 27, 2020

New Delhi: Stress is said to be the major underlying cause of most modern-day diseases. Chronic stress can take a toll on our health, particularly those who have diabetes.

How is stress harmful for diabetics?

It blocks the body from releasing insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Chronic stress can also make you more vulnerable to respiratory illness, reported TimesNow (TN).

COVID-19, Stress, and Diabetes

COVID-19, we all know, is caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that affects the respiratory system. TN quoted researchers as saying that people with diabetes and other chronic conditions are at high risk of severe illness and even death due to COVID-19.

The COVID-19 induced

Worries about coronavirus, lockdowns have certainly added to our stress level. Studies suggest that stress can lead to a buildup of blood sugar in the bloodstream, which can have serious health implications, reported TN.

There has been a 20 percent rise in the blood sugar levels of diabetics due to disruption of lives and increased stress and anxiety levels due to the COVID-19 pandemic, said TN quoting a report by Beato, a full-stack digital ecosystem for diabetes care and management.

The results were derived from 8,200 diabetic patients across India, according to the report.

However, every problem has a solution. Blood sugar level can be controlled with healthy diet and good, regular habits, the TN report added.

Here’s what can be done

Exercise: Doing regular exercise decreases overall levels of tension, elevates and stabilises the mood, improves sleep and self-esteem. Quoting Anxiety and Depression Association of America, the TN report said that doing any kind of aerobic exercies just for five minutes can stimulate anti-anxiety effects.
Take time to unwind: Practice relaxing mind-body activity like yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises or tai chi to combat stress, improve and maintain mental health, said the report.
Eat a balanced diet: Acoording to experts, a healthy, well-balanced diet can help prevent blood sugar spike, and even reverse diabetes. Focus more on fresh fruits and veggies that are colourful, high-fibre cereals made from wholegrains, high-quality protein sources (eggs, beans, low-fat dairy), fish, healthy fats from nuts, olive oil, flax seeds, etc. A healthy diet rich in complex carbs, whole grains, fruits and veggies can help lower stress levels by inducing the brain to increase the production of serotonin and stabilise blood pressure.
Include herbs and spices in your diet: Certain herbs and spices such as lavender, passionflower, Ashwagandha, basil, ginger, turmeric, garlic, etc, not only help fight stress and anxiety but can also benefit diabetes management, the report suggested.
Seek medical help: If none of these help you and hinder your relationships or physical activity, it is always a good idea to talk to your physician or endocrinologist, who can help you cope by collaborating with mental health professionals, the TN report concluded.