Stress Management Helps Diabetes Control

Source: Tufts University
February 25, 2002 (Reviewed: February 23, 2004)

If you believe stress only affects one's state of mind, think again. High stress levels may also influence health. Some research has implicated stress in increasing the risk of a variety of medical conditions - from catching a cold to heart disease. Scientists at Duke University recently examined whether the ability to manage stress can improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. Their findings are published in the journal Diabetes Care.

Stress management

The study involved about 100 adults with type 2 diabetes. The scientists evaluated the subjects' stress levels, perceived stress levels, dietary intake, and HbA1c, which reflects blood sugar control over the previous 3 months and was the primary outcome in this study. The volunteers were randomly assigned to attend either weekly stress management classes or a general diabetes education class.

The diabetes education classes provided basic information about diabetes, complications of the disease, and healthful eating. Because the researchers did not want to change the volunteers' behavior (this was supposed to be the 'control' group), they avoided making specific recommendations for blood sugar level goals. Meanwhile, those in the stress management classes were trained to recognize major stressors in life, and to practice visualization and deep breathing techniques and other skills to reduce physiologic stress levels. At 2, 4, 6, and 12 months after the study started, all the volunteers' stress levels and HbA1c were retested.

Small, yet significant changes

At 6 months, the average HbA1c of both groups declined, indicating improvement in blood sugar control in the previous months. However, by 12 months the education and stress management groups differed by about one-half of one percent in HbA1c, with those in the stress management group showing slightly better control. The investigators admit that this is a small drop, but improvements this small have been associated with reduction in risk of vascular complications, some of which can lead to blindness and/or kidney disease.

Stress and blood sugar levels

Stress may alter blood sugar levels in two ways. For one thing, stressful times may cause some people to stray from their usual routines and instead turn to poor eating and exercise habits. And, secondly, stress causes a physiological reaction that can influence blood sugar levels.

One part of the health care plan

The primary health goals for people with type 2 diabetes are to maintain normal blood sugar levels and normal cholesterol levels. Diet, exercise, and in some cases medication, are the most common and effective ways to manage type 2 diabetes. And, as this study points out, taking day-to-day difficulties in stride may also contribute to improved health - and happiness, too!

Source

• Stress management improves long-term glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. RS. Surwit, MAL. Van Tilburg, N. Zucker,  et al., Diabetes Care., 2002, vol. 25, pp. 30--34

Related Links
Healthful Habits Can Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Good Health Habits Reduce Diabetes Risk
Take a deep breath... and relax
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