Stress can have a significant impact on blood glucose levels, even if you haven’t changed your diet or exercise routine. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or psychological stress, your body responds by releasing hormones that can increase blood sugar levels.
1️⃣ How Does Stress Affect Blood Glucose?
When you experience stress, your body enters a "fight or flight" response. This triggers the release of stress hormones such as:
Cortisol – Increases glucose production to provide energy.
Adrenaline – Signals the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream.
This response is useful in emergencies, but chronic stress can keep blood glucose levels elevated for long periods, making it harder to maintain stable glucose control.
2️⃣ Types of Stress That Can Affect Blood Sugar
Emotional Stress (e.g., anxiety, work pressure, family conflicts)
Physical Stress (e.g., illness, injury, surgery, lack of sleep)
Mental Stress (e.g., decision fatigue, overworking, information overload)
Environmental Stress (e.g., noise, heat, air pollution)
3️⃣ How to Tell If Stress Is Affecting Your Glucose Levels
If you're noticing unexplained glucose spikes in your CGM data, consider:
Have you felt stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed lately?
Have you had poor sleep, illness, or excessive workload?
Are you seeing higher glucose levels even without major dietary changes?
Tracking your glucose trends in the Vively app can help identify stress-related patterns.
4️⃣ How to Reduce the Impact of Stress on Blood Glucose
Practice Mindfulness & Breathing Techniques – Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can lower cortisol levels.
Get Enough Sleep – Poor sleep increases stress hormones and insulin resistance. Aim for 7–9 hours per night.
Stay Active – Exercise reduces stress and improves glucose control. Even a 10-minute walk can help.
Prioritize Healthy Eating – Avoid stress-eating high-GI foods, as they can worsen glucose fluctuations.
Schedule Breaks & Self-Care – Taking breaks, spending time outdoors, or engaging in hobbies can help reduce stress.
Stay Hydrated – Dehydration can also increase cortisol levels and affect glucose stability.
Final Thoughts
Stress is a hidden factor that can impact your glucose levels, even if you maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine. By recognizing stress triggers and managing them effectively, you can improve glucose stability and overall well-being.
💡 Use your CGM with Vively to track patterns and adjust your lifestyle accordingly.