Cortisol

[happydog]

I have recently read that cortisol can cause high Blood glucose levels. The article said that this is released into the blood when one is stressed. Before diagnosis I have a very stressful job although I enjoyed. I had to relinquish it when my husband got ill so don't have it anymore but do have lots of stress looking after my husband 24/7. (Not grumbling just saying what happens now.) Apparently cortisol release is possibly the culprit for higher figures in the morning when I get up. So not having been overweight etc I am wondering if this is what contributes to my diabetes? We have never had this disorder in our family before, unless it goes back several generations. If this is so then I can't do much about it other than control my diet and take exercise and of course try to relax. Is this correct?

 

[Amigo]

I have recently read that cortisol can cause high Blood glucose levels. The article said that this is released into the blood when one is stressed. Before diagnosis I have a very stressful job although I enjoyed. I had to relinquish it when my husband got ill so don't have it anymore but do have lots of stress looking after my husband 24/7. (Not grumbling just saying what happens now.) Apparently cortisol release is possibly the culprit for higher figures in the morning when I get up. So not having been overweight etc I am wondering if this is what contributes to my diabetes? We have never had this disorder in our family before, unless it goes back several generations. If this is so then I can't do much about it other than control my diet and take exercise and of course try to relax. Is this correct?

I’m absolutely convinced it’s implicated happydog. If I wake up having had a bad dream for example, my bg is always elevated. I also think long term stress creates systemic inflammation all of which can lead to metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Carers are known to be under particular daily stress.

‘Under stressful conditions, cortisol provides the body with glucose by tapping into protein stores via gluconeogenesis in the liver. This energy can help an individual fight or flee a stressor. However, elevated cortisol over the long term consistently produces glucose, leading to increased blood sugar levels.’

 

[happydog]

Thanks Amigo. You have confirmed my suspicions. The DN at my surgery is adamant that stress cannot increase BG levels. One of the reasons why I try to keep away from her 🙂

 

[Amigo]

Thanks Amigo. You have confirmed my suspicions. The DN at my surgery is adamant that stress cannot increase BG levels. One of the reasons why I try to keep away from her 🙂

It’s actually an aknowledged biological process happydog and as a fellow carer, something I’ve researched a great deal. Fellow diabetics on here know how stress, illness or infection can impact. Just a shame your DN doesn’t! 🙄