Stress and diabetes

[runner]

I'm pretty certain that significant life events and a stressful job contributed to the development of my diabetes and hypothyroidism. I am now living through the aftermath of the death of another son, and there seems to be an emphasis on 'getting back to work and 'normality', with 'staged returns' etc. this comes from medical profession, not employers or counsellor. But, I'm really worried about going back to work (even though it's a less stressful job), being under stress and developing a further illness - I know it's probably an exaggerated fear, but real non-the-less.

I have put on weight through comfort eating etc. and this, with the ups and downs caused by grief, wheather etc. has played havoc with diabetes control. At the moment am trying to gain better control and have been recording BS and insulin, made some adjustments and see the specialist nurse Friday week.

I know many others have been through similar - how did you cope going back to work? I seem to remember a discussion about the relationship between stress and diabetes before - what are your thoughts?

 

[Northerner]

Hi runner, your fears are perfectly understandable after what you have been through. Do not feel pressured into doing anything if it becomes too much. There is often a view by others that, once you are back at work, you are perfectly fit for the task again - some people just can't see that whatever has kept you off work may still be troubling you and it may be that you try to please them by overdoing things. My advice is to be selfish and think of yourself first when you are asked to do something. You may find that some aspects of work may help take your mind off things and help relieve the stress - if so, that is good. But don't be afraid to let people know just how you are coping and if you need further help to readjust.

My own experience was insignificant in comparison to your situation, but when I returned after breaking my leg, although I was on a phased return, I was expected to perform at the same levels as before. My bosses just didn't realise that I was existing on about 2 hours sleep at night and quickly became exhausted. Things came to a head and I explained, and they were much more relaxed from then on.

Regarding stress as a factor in the development of diabetes - I believe this was possibly true in my case as my symptoms developed at a time of extreme stress. They progressed slowly until I was finally admitted to hospital with DKA and diagnosed. I doubt stress was the only factor, as my father also has an autoimmune disease (psoriasis), so genetics clearly played a part. As to whether stress could trigger another illness, I couldn't say. I believe you have made a good start by monitoring yourself and recording results. Following the mechanics of diabetes management at this time may be the best you can achieve, but it is no less an achievement so be proud of that.

Hopefully, others with more releveant information will be able to help. Please come here when you can, we care deeply for you. I'm always available via PM if I can help in any way.

 

[KayC]

Hi runner
So sorry to hear about your loss. I agree with Northerner, don't let anybody bully you to going back to work. When you are ready to go back, you will know it. And only when you are absolutely sure, you should go back to work, I think. Such a loss would take a long time to heal. It takes what it takes.

About comfort eating: If I do comfort eating, it gives me more stress, like worrying about BG, weight, etc. So I would do some kind of light exercise instead, like walking. (Sorry if you are already doing it) That normally takes some load off my mind.

Again, sorry if my writing is not perfect, I don't intend to offend you, but English is not my first language.

I wish you all the best.

Kay

 

[Steff]

Hi Runner we all deal with greif in our own way and everyone is diffirent regarding there coping mechanisms, never let anyone or anything bully you into going back to work before YOU are ready, if you did things may get worse, it is a very tragic loss you have had to deal with and certainly something no parent should have to go through.Make your own choices that are best for you hun xx

As for comfort eating no body would blame you for this i have done it for many years not no more but i did shortly after i lost my mum it was my vice and i sought comfort from food but of course it made me feel worse and achived nothing but making myself feel more depressed.

Stress is no doubt a factor in your situation of course but i have found that whenever i have had stress in my life since being diagnosed my BG levels go high and my mood goes low then i eat to comfort myself it just becomes a vicious circle, i do hope you can come to some descicion hun it is certainly not something you should have to deal with as well as grieving for you son.

P.s anytime you need a good chat or a shoulder we are all here for you either on the forum or a more personal level in PMS.

 

[Shevicks]

After my Mum was diagnosed with T2 last year at the age of 73, I was fully aware that I may develop it, probably in later life. What I did not expect, was to be diagnosed at age 44 myself. Although I am overweight, I walk for 2 hours a day and have an active job, so was getting plenty of exercise! The doctor agrees with me, that the extreme stress that I have experienced in the last 16 months following my husband's sudden death has been a major cause in the development of the disease.
I had 4 months off work, and went back on a phased return. I wish that I had had longer, I was not ready and even now struggle with my daily duties. The stress caused lots of minor illness, but I was not able to have a single day off sick due to the 'Bradford Factor' which is a management tool for measuring sick leave. If I had been off even once, I risked loosing my job! This meant that I have worked whilst unwell. Not done a good job, and now after 27 years in the job have a crap reputation!!! My return to work was not helped by a change of team and total new management.

I would not be pushed into a return to work, your health is much more important. I am very sorry for your loss, and hope that you can get the support you need to see you through this sad time. xx

 

[Twitchy]

Hi Runner.

I am so, so sorry for your loss - I wish words could help make things better.

Regarding stress, I find a definite link between stress levels & my BG, although in my case I get high sugar levels- possibly due to a fight or flight reaction maybe. Unfortunately I also eat very emotionally anyway - it's hard to diet as if I feel down or sad I crave carbs, (usually fatty ones), which messes up my sugar levels leaving me feeling physically & emotionally even worse! I know all the advice is to eat healthily as that will help mood, but it's not always easy, is it? I think it's a great idea to record your food & results though.

The hypothyroidism is as far as I know, unfortunately 'just' another thing that tends to go with diabetes - I too have an underactive thyroid & I know quite a few other diabetics in the same situation... I think there are a few linked conditions like that. That's not to belittle it, just hopefully reassure you that it's not unusual to have both.

I don't have experience of grief like this as an adult, but when I was 13 my mum died. I think I had about a week off school then went back (unwillingly) to 'normality'. I suspect things may be very different for adults as opposed to children, but maybe just maybe being busy might have helped - but I think the others are right to say you don't need any more negative stress! It does take time to get feeling even remotely normal again... Do you have an occupational health team at your work? Maybe they could work with you in planning your return, when you are ready, and liaise with your boss to ensure that they are sensitive and you get a smooth reintroduction?

Whatever you decide to do, I really hope it goes smoothly for you - I will be thinking you. Take care of yourself.

xx