Post Time: 2025-07-26
Stress is a part of life, but when it comes to managing blood sugar levels, chronic stress can be detrimental. Research has shown that acute and chronic stress have distinct effects on glucose metabolism (1). When we experience stress, our body's "fight or flight" response is triggered, releasing hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline into the bloodstream. These hormones play a crucial role in helping us respond to immediate threats by providing energy for action.
However, chronically elevated levels of these hormones can disrupt normal physiological processes, including glucose metabolism (2). When we are under stress, our body's ability to regulate blood sugar is impaired. Cortisol and adrenaline increase the production of glucose in the liver, causing an insulin-resistant state that contributes to high blood sugar levels (3).
Stress management techniques such as meditation and yoga have been shown to reduce cortisol levels and improve insulin sensitivity (4). By incorporating stress-reducing activities into our daily routine, we can better regulate blood sugar levels. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, regular exercise, and balanced eating habits is essential for managing blood sugar.
In addition to the psychological impact of chronic stress on glucose regulation, there are several physiological changes that occur when we experience prolonged periods of stress. For instance, cortisol disrupts normal metabolic processes by increasing fat storage around organs such as the liver and pancreas (5). This leads to insulin resistance and increased blood sugar levels, which can exacerbate conditions like prediabetes or diabetes.
Stress also affects our dietary choices. When under pressure, we tend to consume more high-carbohydrate foods that are often stripped of essential nutrients (6). Consuming these types of foods regularly disrupts normal glucose metabolism further, leading to fluctuations in blood sugar levels and a higher risk of developing metabolic diseases like insulin resistance.
Understanding the impact stress has on our body's ability to regulate blood sugar is crucial for maintaining healthy blood glucose levels. Chronic stress exacerbates conditions that already exist such as prediabetes or diabetes by increasing cortisol production which disrupts normal metabolism (7). To alleviate this burden, it's essential we focus not just on diet and exercise but also incorporate practices like meditation into our daily lives to reduce chronic stress.
The key is incorporating small habits of self-care throughout the day that promote relaxation and lower physiological stress levels. This might be something as simple as a 10-minute walk or listening to calming music before bed (8). Regular sleep, eating a balanced diet, regular exercise are essential components for managing blood sugar; combining these with healthy coping mechanisms can reduce chronic physical and mental health risks.
The Role of Insulin Sensitivity in Maintaining Blood Sugar Balance
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for reducing the risk of developing diabetes. Carrying excess body fat increases insulin resistance which disrupts normal glucose metabolism (9). The ability to regulate blood sugar through diet alone may be difficult but, eating foods rich in soluble fiber can improve digestive health and reduce symptoms associated with elevated levels like diarrhea or constipation.
When our body's cells become resistant to the action of insulin, it becomes increasingly harder for glucose from the bloodstream into muscle cells (10). This leads to high blood sugar levels which exacerbate chronic conditions such as diabetes. To increase your chances of achieving a healthy range consider focusing on portion control when eating rich carbohydrates sources and increasing whole foods.
When our body is able to use insulin effectively, maintaining normal physiological processes like glucose regulation becomes simpler. Foods that support digestive health should be incorporated into daily routines for optimal blood sugar balance (11). Incorporating the right combination in your diet with healthy habits can help regulate fluctuations associated elevated levels.
Incorporating certain supplements may also support better overall management of blood sugar range by supporting insulin sensitivity which impacts how efficiently we absorb and metabolize glucose. Examples include alpha-lipoic acid, berberine that improve cellular function promoting healthier balance (12).
Dr. Berg's New Book: Take Dr. Berg's Advanced Evaluation Quiz: Dr. Berg answers the question, "Why is my blood sugars normal, but have insulin resistance symptoms. INSULIN RESISTANCE SYMPTOMS: -Tired after eating -Cravings for sweets -Belly fat -Inflammation -Not satisfied after meals -Urination at night (excessive). Ask your doctor to do a fasting insulin test as compared to a fasting glucose test. 2-Hour Insulin Glucose Challenge Test Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio: Dr. Berg, age 57, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He what is a too low blood sugar is the author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan, and is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media. Follow Me On Social Media: Facebook: Instagram: Anchor: TikTok: Disclaimer: Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients so he can focus on educating people as a full time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not blood sugar level 500 a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. #keto #ketodiet #weightloss blood sugar of 150 after eating #ketosis