Sugar, Stress, and Survival: Managing Diabetes in a High-Pressure World
Sugar, Stress, and Survival: Managing Diabetes in a High-Pressure World
Research suggests that low blood sugar can make us more vulnerable to temptation, not just for food, but also for risky or impulsive behavior. People with low blood sugar are more likely to take financial risks, act impulsively, cheat, crave substances such as cigarettes, or even engage in unwise social behaviour such as flirting with someone they shouldn’t.
One widely accepted explanation is that the brain needs glucose (sugar) to exert self-control. When blood sugar drops, the brain may conserve energy and reduce its ability or desire to control impulses. Another theory, rooted in evolutionary psychology, suggests that a drop in blood sugar triggers a survival response. In this situation, the brain prompts the body to seek out high-energy food and take more risks, behaviors that may have been useful during times of food scarcity.
However, a new study conducted by neuroscientists from Yale University and the University of Southern California offers new insight. The researchers manipulated participants’ blood sugar levels intravenously and observed how their brains and bodies responded to the temptation of high-calorie foods. They found that as blood sugar decreased, the brain’s reward system – the part responsible for cravings – became more active. At the same time, the prefrontal cortex, which is essential for self-control, became less active.
What stood out the most was the role of stress. A drop in blood sugar led to a rise in stress hormones, and it was stress hormones — not insulin, ghrelin or other hormones related to hunger — that had the most significant effect on brain behavior.
This finding supports a growing body of research showing that stress is one of the biggest obstacles to self-control. Previous studies have linked stress hormones to everything from failed diets to alcohol addiction.
In my “Science of Willpower” course, many students like to cite low blood sugar as a reason to snack or enjoy sweet treats throughout the day to boost willpower. But this study is a powerful reminder: Managing stress, not just keeping your blood sugar stable, is the key to maintaining self-control. Nourishing your brain is important, but taking care of your emotional well-being may be even more crucial when it comes to resisting temptation.
Managing Diabetes in a High-Pressure World
Hypertension and diabetes are among the most common chronic diseases globally. Both pose serious health risks and can lead to severe complications if not properly controlled.
This article examines the connection between hypertension and diabetes, explores their underlying causes, and highlights the most effective strategies for managing these conditions.
Understanding High Blood Pressure
Hypertension is a condition in which the pressure of blood on the walls of the arteries is persistently high. Over time, this excessive pressure can damage blood vessels and the organs they supply, such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. As a result, high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
World Hypertension Day, observed on May 17, was launched by the World Hypertension League in 2005 to raise global awareness of high blood pressure, its health consequences, and the importance of prevention and treatment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension affects 1.28 billion adults worldwide and remains one of the leading causes of premature death. Despite being preventable and manageable, many individuals are still unaware of its dangers and the critical need for effective blood pressure control.
The theme of World Hypertension Day 2023, “Measure your blood pressure, control it, live longer,” underscores the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring and active management. It highlights that individuals can significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening complications by staying informed and taking appropriate action.
High blood pressure and diabetes
High blood pressure and diabetes are closely linked, and it is common for individuals with diabetes to experience high blood pressure. While the exact reason for this connection is not fully understood, it is thought that persistently high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, which in turn contributes to increased blood pressure.
Conversely, high blood pressure can reduce the effectiveness of insulin in the body, leading to increased blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. This creates a harmful cycle in which high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels reinforce each other, increasing the risk of serious complications affecting blood vessels and vital organs.
Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that 31% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults have hypertension. In 2018, hypertension was a major cause of inequalities in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, accounting for 6.5% of the difference in disease burden. In addition to lifestyle and behavioural factors, stress, often linked to historical and ongoing trauma and discrimination, also plays a significant role in increasing the risk of other chronic diseases, including hypertension and diabetes, in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Managing High Blood Pressure and Diabetes
Managing both high blood pressure and diabetes involves a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and, in many cases, medications. Here are several key strategies to help individuals with these conditions:
1. Support social and emotional well-being
Managing stress is important. Encourage individuals to reach out to trusted healthcare providers or support networks for emotional and mental health support. General practitioners (GPs) can help coordinate mental healthcare plans, including referrals to psychologists. If someone is feeling overwhelmed or unsafe, direct them to support services such as Mindspot, Yarning Safe and Strong, 13YARN (13 92 76), or emergency services (000) if urgent help is needed.
2. Take medication as prescribed
Medication plays an important role in managing both hypertension and blood sugar levels. Encourage people to understand what each medication does and take it exactly as prescribed by their GP. Pharmacists can also offer valuable advice on medication use, discuss possible side effects, and conduct annual reviews to ensure the right medicines are being used.
3. Encourage regular physical activity
Physical activity supports both physical health and emotional well-being. Regular activity can help control blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Encourage at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days, or suggest consulting an exercise physiologist for tailored advice and support.
4. Monitor blood pressure and blood sugar levels
Consistent monitoring helps individuals understand how lifestyle factors such as stress, activity, and medication affect their blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Recognizing patterns helps people better manage their conditions and reduce the risk of complications.
5. Promote healthy eating habits and food relationships
Nutrient-rich foods – such as fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables, whole grains, lean meat or alternatives, low-fat dairy products, and healthy fats (such as olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds) – support both physical and mental health. However, access to these foods may be limited for some people. Encourage reducing intake of highly processed foods rich in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, as they can impair blood pressure and glucose control.
6. Reduce salt intake
Most dietary salt comes from processed foods such as takeaway meals, snacks, baked goods, and packaged foods. Reducing salt intake – by cooking more meals at home, avoiding heavily salted foods, and limiting added salt – may help lower blood pressure.
7. Focus on health-promoting behaviors more than just weight
Weight is influenced by many factors, including physical activity, food access, emotional well-being, hormonal changes, sleep, substance use, and more. Instead of focusing only on weight loss, help people engage in health-promoting behaviors: managing stress, staying active, taking prescribed medications, attending health appointments, eating more nutrient-rich foods, and drinking clean water. These actions can improve blood pressure and blood sugar control regardless of changes in body weight.
Also, read this article
7 Impressive Ways Vitamin C Benefits Your Body
About Post Author
