The COVID-19 pandemic continues with no clear end in sight. In this challenging time, many people struggle with stress, pressure, boredom, and anxiety due to ongoing uncertainty. For those living with diabetes, managing stress is especially important, as high blood sugar levels can increase vulnerability to coronavirus infection and worsen COVID-19 symptoms.

How Does Stress Influence Blood Sugar Levels?

One of the side effects of stress is its ability to trigger or aggravate other health conditions, including diabetes. When the body is under stress, it produces a hormone called cortisol. Rising cortisol levels put the body in a heightened state of alert, ready to deal with pressure or threats.

However, an increase in cortisol can also reduce the body’s sensitivity to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels. In simple terms, the more stressed you are, the more cortisol your body produces, and the more your blood sugar may rise.

Tips to Control Blood Sugar During the Pandemic

Stress in a pandemic is almost impossible to avoid completely. What you can do is learn to manage it better so you feel calmer and healthier. Below are some simple but effective habits that can help reduce stress and keep your blood sugar levels under control:

1. Limit exposure to negative news

In today’s overwhelming flow of information, it’s helpful to limit your intake of negative news that might raise your stress levels. Staying updated on pandemic-related developments is important, but if the news starts harming your mental health, try reducing how much you read or watch. For clarity and peace of mind, get information only from reliable and official sources.

2. Eat nutritious foods

Stress often increases cravings for unhealthy foods. Try to resist these urges and choose meals that are nutritious and balanced, in portions that don’t spike blood sugar. Sticking to healthy eating habits helps protect both your physical and emotional well-being.

3. Stay away from smoking and alcohol

Stress can also heighten the temptation to smoke or drink alcohol, but both habits can negatively impact your health and contribute to blood sugar fluctuations. When you feel the urge, shift your focus to other positive activities, such as pursuing a hobby, reading, or doing something relaxing.

4. Exercise regularly

Stress often leaves people feeling drained, making it harder to stay active. Even so, try to set aside at least 30 minutes a day for light exercise. Activities like walking, jogging, or cycling can help your body release tension, improve your mood, promote better sleep, and lower stress levels.

5. Get sufficient sleep

Lack of rest can disrupt hormone balance, making blood sugar harder to control. Aim for 6–8 hours of quality sleep each night so your body feels refreshed and your mind calmer the next day.

The more stress you carry, the more your blood sugar is likely to rise, which may heighten your risk of developing other health problems, including COVID-19. That’s why finding ways to manage stress is so essential. If you feel your stress levels becoming overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek help from a psychologist or psychiatrist for proper guidance and care.

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