Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Brent on November 14, 2012 at 7:29am

I'm sorry that you're going through these rough times. My thought is that your lower sugars are caused by the fact that you're eating less. So in a round about way, your stress is contributing to your low blood sugar, but only because you are eating less food.

Permalink Reply by Elizabeth on November 14, 2012 at 7:47am

I'm sorry this has happened to you, I really am — it's tough enough dealing with the day to day of D without adding emotional crap on top of it.

Physiologically speaking, stress hormones (specifically cortisol) interfere with the action of insulin, and thus would more likely send you high, not low; your endocrinologist likely is citing that fact when he/she tells you stress = high. But if you (like many people) send your stress to your GI tract, it could mean poorer absorption of your food, and therefore reduce your intake of glucose into the blood stream. That would make you potentially go low. You already said you're eating less and that also could contribute. Also, if your stress manifests itself in greater activity (for example: stress makes you start cleaning your kitchen at 4 a.m., which is something I do sometimes), that could also push you lower.

The "why" is not what matters, though. What matters is that you take care of yourself and do whatever you can to get through this difficult time. *hugs*

Permalink Reply by DiabeticRunner83 on November 14, 2012 at 7:53am

I am sorry that this all is happening. I would lean more towards the low sugars being caused by not eating as much. I am type 1 and when I am stressed my sugar goes up.

Permalink Reply by Jim on November 14, 2012 at 8:24am

It definitely tends to make me high and insulin resistant as opposed to low, but everyone's reactions are different...

Permalink Reply by Phishery on November 14, 2012 at 9:56am

Very sorry to hear about your circumstances. Cortisol is released in response to stress. Its primary function is to increase blood sugars through gluconeogenesis, supress the immune system, and aid in fat and carbohydrate metabolism. My first question would be whether you have validated your basal rate during a fast? I notice many diabetics use more basal than is required to help supplement with eating throughout the day. If you are eating less as Brent suggested than your basal may be demonstrating it is too high especially since with stress there is a tendency to have slight elevations in blood sugars. I would validate your basal rate isn't doing some of the work that a bolus ought to be doing.

Permalink Reply by David C Weisberg on November 14, 2012 at 10:27am

I am very stress sensitive. However, when I get stressed my blood sugars soar out of sight and hypoglycemia is never in the picture. If you, unlike me, tend not to eat when you are stressed, that may be one explanation of your hypos. In addition, if you have gone into deep depression without anxiety, your entire metabolism may have slowed down and your blood sugar levels would decrease. In any event, you are going through a terrible time in your life and need to see your endocrinologist immediately and get a good referral for some psych counseling. Hormones are so wrapped up in your emotional state that you cannot expect consistent blood glucose levels. You are probably in some emotional shock right now, which may well turn to anger and fury which will send your levels into the stratosphere. Get medical and psych help now.

Permalink Reply by Unicornzzz on November 14, 2012 at 10:39am

Sorry to hear about your issues. Stress can make you sugar levels go either way. For me I can go high for a while and then I crash big time. Or I go low and then skyrocket and it takes me a while to get my glucose levels under control.

Permalink Reply by Nikki on November 14, 2012 at 8:35pm

Stress and lack of appetite is doing this to you. Remember my mom's words no man is worth your life. Keep tabs on bg levels eat when you have to and try a marriage counselor maybe he will agree and you can work things out. If not there's other fish in the sea. You can and will find love again if all else fails with your significant other. Good luck and God bless.