Type 2 Diabetes has emerged as a major health concern, not only in India but affecting millions of people globally. While it’s well known that genetics and lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise play a role, the impact of chronic work-related stress is often an overlooked factor. The neverending pressures of meeting tight deadlines and managing long work hours can seriously disrupt our body's metabolic balance, leading to severe health issues, including diabetes. We got in touch with Dr Sanjay Agarwal, Head of Department- Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolic Diseases, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Nagar Road, Pune who explains the relationship between work stress and diabetes, and how our lifestyle may worsen this situation.

Dr Agarwal explains that when we're under stress, our body reacts by triggering a "fight or flight" response, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This reaction can be beneficial in the short term during emergencies. However, if stress becomes a chronic condition, these hormone levels remain elevated for longer than necessary, disrupting normal body functions. This includes increased glucose production from the liver and a reduction in insulin sensitivity in tissues like muscle and fat. This imbalance can lead to insulin resistance, a significant precursor to Type 2 diabetes.

How Stress Influences Lifestyle Choices

The demands of a high-pressure job can often lead to poor health habits, which directly contribute to the risk of developing diabetes. For instance, long working hours might not leave any time for regular physical activity and lead to grabbing quick, often unhealthy meals on the go, contributing to poor nutrition and weight gain.

“Stress might also trigger cravings for high-calorie, sugary foods as a quick energy fix, which is particularly damaging as excess weight is a critical risk factor for diabetes. Moreover, tight work schedules can disrupt natural sleep patterns. An adequate amount of sleep is crucial for maintaining insulin sensitivity and regulating hormones that control appetite, such as ghrelin and leptin. Lack of sleep can lead to increased hunger and weight gain, further exacerbating the risk of metabolic disturbances,” he said.

Impact Of Stress On Glucose Levels

Dr Agarwal explains that chronic stress keeps the sympathetic nervous system—the part of the nervous system that increases heart rate and blood pressure in response to stress-activated for long periods. While this response is usually for short-term management, in the long term, it can impair glucose metabolism. This sustained state of physiological arousal can worsen insulin resistance and increase the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Psychological Effects And Behavioural Responses To Stress

Stress often brings about psychological effects such as anxiety or depression, which are linked to an increased risk of diabetes. Dr Agarwal explains people working under constant stress may resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as emotional eating, smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption. These behaviours can increase insulin resistance and compound the risk of developing diabetes, creating a vicious cycle of stress and poor health.

It’s important to be aware of the early warning signs of diabetes, which include:

- Persistent fatigue,

- Sudden weight gain,

- Excessive thirst,

- Frequent urination, and,

- Difficulty concentrating.

How To Reduce Risks Of Work-Related Diabetes?

While eliminating work-related stress might not be feasible, its impact on health can be mitigated.

- Adopting a balanced diet rich in nutrients, engaging in regular physical activity, and practising stress reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga can greatly impact one’s ability to manage stress.

- Ensuring adequate and quality sleep is essential in maintaining hormonal balance and overall well-being.

- Establishing clear boundaries between professional and personal life plays a crucial role in reducing stress and preventing burnout.

- Effectively managing workloads, delegating tasks, and ensuring sufficient downtime can help maintain both mental and physical health. Achieving a healthy balance between work responsibilities and personal life is essential for sustaining not just career success but overall health.

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