How Stress Affects Blood Sugar—and What You Can Do About It
January 28, 2026
We all deal with stress—but for people with diabetes, stress does more than just affect your mood. It can directly impact your blood sugar levels, too.
When you’re stressed, your body activates its “fight or flight” response, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones give you energy to handle danger—but they also raise your blood sugar.
Why does this matter?
If you’re managing diabetes, stress-related hormone spikes can make your blood sugar harder to control. Even if you’re eating well and taking your medication, high stress levels can throw things off balance.
What can help?
Managing stress is part of caring for your diabetes—and it looks different for everyone. Some helpful tools include:
- Going for a walk or exercising
- Practicing deep breathing or meditation
- Spending time on hobbies or creative activities
- Laughing with friends or watching something uplifting
- Journaling your thoughts or emotions
- Using a support system—whether family, friends, or a counselor
At Jefferson County Health Center, our Diabetes Education Program, led by Amy Martin, RN, CDCES, offers personalized support to help you manage all aspects of your health—including stress. The program is certified by the American Diabetes Association and the State of Iowa, and most insurance plans cover it.
To schedule an appointment, call the JCHC Clinics at 641-472-4156.
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