Stress
 Psychological stress caused by the death of a spouse, a financial crisis or other life-altering event may increase the risk of developing diabetes in middle age. Their study found that these types of major life events were associated with type 2 diabetes regardless of family history of the disease, exercise or alcohol use. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs later in life, and in many cases can be controlled with diet and exercise. A high number of rather common major life events that probably indicate chronic psychological stress during the past 5 years was indeed related to a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes.
The connection of stress with diabetes
The researchers asked more than 2,000 white adults between 50 and 74 years about stressful life events in the past five years, such as the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship or long-lasting financial problems. Diabetes was diagnosed in 5% of people participating in the study and those with the highest number of stressful events (three or more) were 60% more likely to have diabetes as those with fewer stressful life events.
However, there was no association between stressful work-related events such as a forced job change, retirement or long-lasting problems at work, the study found. The study could not conclusively determine that stress causes diabetes. However, the researchers believe that it is unlikely that the diabetes was the cause of the stress, or that some underlying factor -- such as poverty -- contributed to both conditions.
The authors conclude that the findings are at least ''partially consistent'' with a theory that says that stressful life events increase the diabetes risk by increasing levels of the hormone cortisol and decreasing levels of sex steroids such as testosterone, which have been shown to influence the action of insulin. Insulin is the hormone that regulates blood sugar. Although that theory suggests that stress results in a higher diabetes risk due to weight gain in the abdomen, the researchers found no link between stress, abdominal fat and diabetes. Diabetes Care February 2000;23:197-201
The Chiropractic Approach: Stress is a large part of the reason why most chronic illness develops. I believe the most powerful intervention for stress is prayer. Chiropractic care allows the body to operate at its full potential therefore substantially decreasing the amount of physical stress the body is exposed to. Of course, with diabetes, diet and exercise are critically important. The exercise needs to be cardiovascular and about sixty minutes per day. Diabetes risk test: http://www.diabetes.org/risk-test.jsp
If you or someone you know suffers from stress or diabetes call 877-724-4761 to schedule an appointment with Chiro One TODAY!
|
