I have just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and really high BP. The diabetes is just and so over the recommended limits so not too bad. I know all the bits about diet, healthy living etc, but does anyone know how stress affects diabetes? The reason I ask, since I returned to work after treatment, I have been felt so stressed out . I commute about two hours each way and part of my remit is to study for a master’s. My friend I havent seen for a few months said I looked much better whilst undergoing radiotherapy than I do now - probably because I was off work!!! As much as I love my job, I am seriously thinking of resigning and looking for somewhere local with no studying!! Any advice welcome.
Are you on tablets + diet or diet only to control your diabetes? I have type 1 diabetes (24 years) and haven’t found stress that much of a problem when controlling my diabetes. I think if you can just keep a check on your blood sugars you will know if stress is affecting your control, also there maybe a bit of delayed reaction to dx, rads. etc.
Sorry I have no experience of Diabetes but I assume as you are on this site you have bc which I do have experience of and surely to god there are more important things and better things in life to do than travelling over 4 hours a day to work!!!
Hi Cathy,
I am Type 2 diabetes myself (have been for 6 years) and was diagnosed with bc last March with mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and now on Arimadex.
My diabetes is tablet (Metformin and Glicazide) and diet controlled. I am now due (next week) for my 6 month checkup and I am reasonably sure my medication will need to be increased.
I am also due to see the oncologist today and my consultant in 2 weeks time and have concerns because 6 months ago I had a lump come up in my armpit at the end of the mastectomy scar. I had to have a bone scan (because of the aches and pains) a CT scan and an ultrasound and biopsy. When these showed nothing I then had a PET CT scan (which is a more advanced CT scan) which showed there was no cancer present.
I am also working 2 nights per week (it used to be 3-4 nights)
I am sure all the stress involved has worsened my diabetes and the last few days my blood sugar levels have been very difficult to keep at normal levels even though I have been very careful with my diet.
I was really pleased with myself last year when the diabetes was no worse at the end of the treatment from when I was diagnosed but I didnt work all through treatment. Since going back to work last December and especially since this lump appeared (in April) my sugar levels have been more erratic. It was discussed about going onto insulin just before surgery last year but because it was such a short time before surgery it was decided that I wouldnt.
The other thing is that since going onto Arimadex I now have to take a statin because of high chloresterol levels and BP tablets because of raised blood pressure.
PM me and I will let you know what happens in the next couple of weeks.
best wishes
Margaret
You may never know if stress is the contributing factor. Diabetes is a progressive disease and many things will have an effect on your blood sugar levels, just a change in your daily routine will have an effect to either raise or lower your blood sugar readings. What is most important is to try and stabilise your levels, as long as it is within normal limits.
If you are feeling stressed about your current situation and you have the choice to change things, then go for it! Why wait for things to worsen. You do not have to wait for any other reason to change things if that is what you really want to do, you will acheive it.
I think your high BP is more relevant to your stress levels.
I should have mentioned that I had a WLE and rads earlier in the year and went back to work in September. I think the whole “package” of the diagnosis (even though I have a good prognosis) + commuting is just the final straw!!! And yes, life is too short to do that!! I agree with you Margaret, that stress must have a role to play - I remember my mother who had diabetes having to get her sugar levels normal before her mastectomies as they went through the roof shortly after diagnosis - could be a coincidence? I hope your diabetes gets sorted out soon.
Good news. I saw my diabetic nurse today and I`m no worse with the diabetes. I was sure my medication would be increased.
I know that my sugar levels have been more eratic though so am still being very careful.