Getting diabetes from a scare is unlikely, but being in a constant state of stress can increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Here’s a closer look at the link between stress and diabetes.
Can a single scare cause diabetes?
No, a single instance of being scared or stressed is very unlikely to instantly give you diabetes. Diabetes is a complex condition that develops over time when the body can’t properly use or produce insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar.
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It is not known to be caused by lifestyle factors.
- Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin and/or does not make enough insulin. It develops over many years and is influenced by genetics, weight, physical activity levels, and diet.
The development of type 2 diabetes depends on many factors working together over time. A single stressful event is very unlikely to instantly trigger diabetes.
Can long-term stress increase diabetes risk?
Yes, chronic stress may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Here’s why:
- Stress causes the body to release stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine. Over time, elevated levels of these hormones can cause insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin.
- Stress can prompt unhealthy habits like eating too much, eating high-sugar or high-fat comfort foods, smoking, and not exercising. All of these behaviors raise diabetes risk.
- Chronic stress and lack of sleep may alter glucose metabolism and increase inflammation, both of which can contribute to diabetes.
Therefore, while a single scare is unlikely to instantly cause diabetes, living in a constant state of chronic stress could potentially raise your risk over time.
Studies on stress and diabetes risk
Some studies support a link between high stress and increased diabetes risk:
- A 2020 study found that women with high levels of perceived stress were at 83% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to less stressed women.
- A meta-analysis of 13 studies with over 45,000 total participants found that high work stress was associated with a 45% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Research shows that conditions involving significant stress like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been linked to an increased diabetes risk.
So while the evidence is not definitive, multiple studies suggest chronic stress may raise diabetes risk to some degree over the long term.
Tips for managing stress
Since constant stress could potentially harm your health and raise diabetes risk over time, it’s important to manage stress levels. Here are some tips:
- Get regular physical activity – aim for 30 minutes per day.
- Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.
- Make time for hobbies you enjoy.
- Maintain healthy social connections.
- Get enough sleep – aim for 7-9 hours per night.
- Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms like smoking, drinking excess alcohol, or emotional eating.
- Consider counseling or therapy if stress is overwhelming.
Learning positive ways to manage life’s stresses can help promote good health now and potentially lower diabetes risk down the road.
The bottom line
Getting diabetes from a single stressful event or scare is very unlikely. However, chronic stress over the long term may potentially increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
While more research is still needed, managing stress through relaxation, exercise, sleep, and other positive coping techniques can help promote good health and may also lower diabetes risk.
If you’re under constant stress, focus on identifying the sources and finding healthy ways to manage. Talk to your doctor if stress is impacting your physical or mental health.
Diabetes Risk Factors
Factors that raise your likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes include:
| Risk Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Obesity or being overweight | Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, reduces insulin sensitivity. |
| Family history | Having a parent, sibling, or child with diabetes raises your risk. |
| Inactivity | Regular physical activity lowers diabetes risk by improving insulin sensitivity. |
| Race/ethnicity | African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, American Indians, and Asian Americans are at higher risk. |
| High blood pressure | Hypertension is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. |
| High cholesterol | Dyslipidemia, or abnormal blood fat levels, raises the risk. |
| Smoking | Smokers are 30-40% more likely to develop diabetes than nonsmokers. |
| Chronic stress | Prolonged stress may promote insulin resistance. |
Consult your doctor if you have multiple diabetes risk factors. Making lifestyle changes can help reduce your chances of developing diabetes.