Nursing note of stress management and impact on blood sugar. Mr. Taylor was visited today via telehealth while in the community. He was alert and oriented, words are coordinated, and denied change in condition since last visit. He verbalized improvement in condition since his last hospital visit due to stabbing on his body. Client verbalized occasional increase in blood sugar due to stress at work. Nurse provided education on stress management and the impact on blood sugar
Stress and Blood Sugar (Title 1)
It is well established that stress can negatively impact blood sugar control in individuals with diabetes. When the body experiences stress, the stress hormone cortisol is released. Cortisol signals the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, causing blood sugar levels to increase (Mayo Clinic, 2022). For individuals without diabetes, insulin is also released to help regulate blood sugar. However, in those with diabetes, insulin production and effectiveness may already be compromised. The combination of increased glucose from the liver and inadequate insulin response from stress can lead to hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar (American Diabetes Association, 2023).
Coping Strategies (Title 2)
There are several strategies diabetes patients can employ to help manage stress and its effects on blood sugar:
Deep breathing exercises have been shown to lower cortisol levels by inducing the body’s relaxation response (Harvard Health Publishing, 2020). Taking deep breaths for 5-10 minutes multiple times per day can help counteract stress.
Regular physical activity also reduces cortisol and improves insulin sensitivity (American Psychological Association, 2019). Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week to burn off stress hormones.
Adequate sleep, between 7-9 hours per night for most adults, also supports blood sugar control and mental well-being (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). Stress and poor sleep often go hand-in-hand, so prioritizing sleep can help break this cycle.
Talking to friends, family members or a mental health professional about stressors and feelings can help process emotions in a healthy way (Mayo Clinic, 2021). Social support improves coping and resilience during difficult times.
Impact on Mr. Taylor (Title 3)
In Mr. Taylor’s case, it seems stress from his work is occasionally causing elevated blood sugar levels. The nurse appropriately educated him on stress management strategies like deep breathing, physical activity, adequate sleep, and social support systems. Continuing to employ these coping mechanisms regularly may help Mr. Taylor gain better control over his diabetes and experience fewer stress-related hyperglycemic events going forward. Monitoring his blood sugar closely after stressful situations can also provide valuable insight on managing this relationship.
References:
American Diabetes Association. (2023). Stress and diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/manage-diabetes-stress-mood/stress-diabetes
American Psychological Association. (2019). Stress effects on the body. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Sleep and chronic disease. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/chronic_disease.html
Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). Deep breathing gets your body and mind in sync. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/deep-breathing-gets-your-body-and-mind-in-sync
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Stress management: Tips to reclaim your peace of mind. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-management/art-20044151
Mayo Clinic. (2022). Diabetes and stress: How are they connected? Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-and-stress/art-20046911
