Researchers have suggested that stress affects people both mentally and physically, and that these changes may be particularly harmful to persons living with a chronic illness like diabetes. For more than a decade, Patrick Lustman, PhD, and his staff at Washington University School of Medicine''s department of psychiatry have been studying the affects of depression and anxiety on glucose regulation in diabetes. They have found that people with diabetes who are experiencing depression or anxiety have poorer glucose control.

How does stress interefere with the control of diabetes?
When a person is depressed or anxious most ofter that person''s eating, sleeping or exercise patterns will change. For the person with diabetes, the result may be failure to comply with the daily regimen of food, medication and physical activity -- all those patterns essential to good physical health. In addition, stress can lead to hormonal changes which in turn can contribute to unstable diabetes.

No matter what the cause of your stress, learning how to handle it is key to minimizing its impact on your health. Problems with depression or anxiety can be successfully treated, either with medication or psychotherapy. When your level of stress begins to interfere with your daily life and health, you need to seek support.