Delve into the connection between stress and Type 1 diabetes in adults. Manage stress with Meri Sehat's expert insights.

Can Stress Cause Type 1 Diabetes In Adults?

Prolonged exposure to chronic stress elevates the likelihood of diabetes development.

Introduction

&nbsp;Stress is a common part of life. Whether it&rsquo;s a one-off incident like a presentation at work or an accident. It can also be long-term or constant worries, like coping with the loss of someone or financial issues.

But does stress actually lead to <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/diabetes-type-1">type 1 diabetes </a>(T1D) in adults? Read on to find out. 
&nbsp;

Understanding if stress causes T1D

First, it&#39;s important to understand what T1D is. It is a chronic condition where the body&#39;s immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, forcing them to stop producing insulin. As a result, the blood glucose rises above 15.0 mmol/L.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>

Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels in our bodies. A lack of insulin leads to high blood sugar levels.

It usually develops in children, adolescents, and young adults.

The exact causes are still not fully understood. A combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers, including viral infections that set off the autoimmune response, are plausible causes. Latent autoimmune diabetes in adulthood (LADA) is also autoimmune in nature. However, it develops more slowly than the classic T1D.

LADA shares some features with type 2 diabetes, such as the fact that patients may be overweight, may not need insulin at the time of diagnosis, or may be 30 years of age or older. 
&nbsp;

When you&rsquo;re stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to prepare for a &lsquo;fight or flight&rsquo; response. It&rsquo;s natural and really helpful for your body to be on alert, ready to avoid danger or adapt to unfamiliar situations.

However, these hormones also cause insulin resistance. As a result, your blood sugar levels rise. According to several studies, causes of increased demand for insulin, such as puberty, sleep disorders, and traumatic events (e.g., accidents, divorce, hospitalization, death of loved ones, war), can lead to the development of T1D.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>

One particularly dangerous duo is chronic stress and obesity, which can cause metabolic failure. Furthermore, according to one study, patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have worse diabetes-related outcomes, such as frequent diabetic ketoacidosis, higher HbA1c levels, and longer hospital stays compared to those who did not have PTSD or any mental comorbidities.<a href="#accordion">[3]</a> 
&nbsp;

Moreover, for individuals already grappling with diabetes, chronic stress amplifies the risk of experiencing complications associated with the condition.

This is partly attributed to the fact that when under stress, individuals may adopt detrimental behaviors, such as engaging in unhealthy dietary habits and succumbing to a sedentary lifestyle. These choices can significantly impact sugar levels, further exacerbating the risk of complications.

Hence, it&#39;s essential to find ways to manage stress &ndash; exercise, relaxation techniques, or talking to a therapist. By managing stress, you can keep your blood sugar levels more stable and improve your overall health. 
&nbsp;

Conclusion

While stress doesn&#39;t directly cause T1D, it can potentially worsen symptoms or make management more challenging. 
&nbsp;

Key Takeaways

<ul>
	<li>Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition where the body&#39;s immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.</li>
	<li>Stress doesn&#39;t directly cause T1D in adults.</li>
	<li>But it can affect blood sugar levels in people who already have diabetes, including T1D, by triggering the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.</li>
	<li>It&rsquo;s important to manage stress and keep your diabetes under control.</li>
</ul>

[1] Ingrosso DMF, Primavera M, Samvelyan S, Tagi VM, Chiarelli F. Stress and diabetes mellitus: Pathogenetic mechanisms and clinical outcome. Karger Publishers. March 20, 2023. Accessed January 29, 2024.

[2] Department of Health & Human Services. Diabetes type 1. Better Health Channel. September 28, 2001. Accessed January 29, 2024.

[3] Lunkenheimer, F., Eckert, A.J., Hilgard, D. et al. Posttraumatic stress disorder and diabetes-related outcomes in patients with type 1 diabetes. Sci Rep 13, 1556 (2023).