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Does subconscious stress increase BG levels?

Godderz

Godderz

Newbie
Messages
4
Location
Buckinghamshire
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
I wonder if anyone else has found this. Firstly quick background - was diagnosed type 2 in May 2016 with HbA1c 87 (10.1%), prescribed Metformin which, thanks to finding this website, I decided not to start taking until I'd tried diet first. Went on LCHF diet and when re-tested September, HbA1c 38 (5.6%), still with no medication! I've continued monitoring fasting BG daily, getting in the mid fives consistently with the occasional 6.1 or 6.2. However, last week we had three days away and I was getting mid to high sixes (still not bad I know) every day, as well as on the day before and after. Since being home it's dropped back to the fives.
We were self catering so nothing changed in diet so I'm wondering if just the fact of being away with three hours drive there and back might have resulted in underlying stress (which I was completely unaware of) that could have caused my BG levels to go up. Any thoughts?
 
I think it quite possible. Human physiology is quite complex and blood sugar can be affected by many variables some unknown and somewhat mysterious.
 
Yes. Stress/illness can cause higher blood sugar levels than usual and you can have a blood test to check your cortisol (stress hormone) levels. I did a couple of months ago. They will be elevated if stressed. However if they are, there isn't a drug to suppress the cortisol and alleviating the stress is the solution unfortunately.
 
I have a similar experience when I'm away from home, even when I stick as closely as I can to usual food/walking routines, with people I'm comfortable being with. Always higher readings all round.

I'm very aware of some stress at the moment, know it raises my blood sugars, resigned to higher readings for a bit as a result, and trying not to let it stress me more.
 
When I am going on holiday my BGS go up for a couple of days before hand ,so even good stress causes a rise .Fortunately (or not) I only have 1 or 2 holidays a year !!
CAROL
 
May I ask if your holiday involved travelling by car? Whenever I am a passenger in a car for long periods, more than about an hour, and especially the four/five hour journeys to and from university, my readings become an absolute mess. I don't know why, but every single time, without fail, it happens.

And I would say from my experience that stress definitely seems to raise blood glucose levels. Every year, during exam season, without fail, it will be significantly higher, irrespective of activity or diet, which doesn't really change.
 
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