Effects Of Stress On Eating Habits: Stress is a complex physiological and psychological response that can significantly impact our eating habits, especially in individuals managing diabetes. Stress triggers physiological responses in the body, including the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can affect hunger and food choices. Stress can trigger emotional eating, where individuals seek comfort in food to cope with negative emotions. This often leads to the consumption of high-calorie, sugary, or fatty foods, which can be detrimental to blood sugar control in patients with diabetes. In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr Navneet Agrawal, Chief Clinical Officer, BeatO explained how stress affects our eating habits.

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According to Dr Agrawal, stress can disrupt the body's natural hunger cues, leading to either increased or decreased appetite. Some people may experience stress-induced cravings for unhealthy foods, while others may lose interest in eating altogether. These fluctuations in appetite can make it challenging to maintain a healthy diet, which is crucial for managing diabetes effectively. Additionally, stress can affect food metabolism. Chronic stress is linked to insulin resistance, a condition where cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. This can worsen diabetes symptoms and increase the risk of developing complications.

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Throwing light on the topic, Dr. Apoorva Garg, Associate Director - BeatO Care (Operations) listed some ways in which stress affects our eating habits.

Effects Of Stress On Eating Habits

Emotional Eating: Stress can trigger emotional eating in individuals with diabetes, leading to cravings for high-carbohydrate, high-sugar foods. This can result in uncontrolled blood sugar levels.

Irregular Meal Patterns: Stressful situations may disrupt regular meal patterns for diabetics, leading to skipped meals or irregular eating times. This can destabilise blood sugar levels, as consistent carbohydrate intake is essential for managing diabetes effectively.

Effects Of Stress On Eating Habits (Image Credits: Canva)

Mindless Eating: Stress can impair cognitive function and self-control, making individuals more prone to mindless eating or binge eating episodes. Diabetics may consume food without considering the impact on their blood sugar levels, leading to overeating and difficulty in managing their condition.

Changes in Food Choices: Stress can influence food preferences, leading diabetics to choose convenience foods often high in refined carbohydrates, sugars, and unhealthy fats. These food choices can lead to poor blood sugar control and increase the risk of complications associated with diabetes.

Hormonal Changes: Stress triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline, affecting insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in individuals with diabetes. Elevated cortisol levels can lead to insulin resistance, making it more challenging to regulate blood sugar levels effectively.

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Individuals with diabetes need to prioritise stress management techniques and adopt healthy coping strategies. These may include:

Regular Physical Activity: Regular physical activity can help alleviate stress, improve mood, and regulate appetite and metabolism.

Relaxation Techniques: Relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation and yoga, and guided yoga, can help lower stress levels and promote emotional well-being.

Healthy Eating: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help stabilise blood sugar levels and support overall health.

Effects Of Stress On Eating Habits (Image Credits: Canva)

Social Support: Building a strong social support network and fostering connections with friends, family, or support groups can provide emotional encouragement and accountability in managing stress-related eating behaviours.

Professional Guidance: Seeking professional help from a therapist, dietitian, or healthcare provider can offer personalised guidance and support tailored to individual needs and circumstances.