One tell even when one has no consciousness of being stressed at work is having a sweet tooth that vanishes on weekends. Because stress isn’t all in the head. The human body is a tightly integrated system.
Chronic low-level stress can lead to the secretion of high levels of glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids promote gluconeogenesis in the liver, decrease glucose uptake and utilization in skeletal muscle and white adipose tissue, and cause hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, eventually leading to diabetes 2.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the resulting decrease in cellular uptake of glucose can induce hunger, commonly including cravings for carbohydrates, especially sweets. Clinical manifestations include high frequency and volume of urination and decreased sensitivity in the soles of the feet. Pinpricks are less noticeable. Fatigue and/or sleep disturbances are also signs.
It may be helpful to self-monitor glucose levels with over-the-counter test strips and readers. The require making a break in the skin of a finger with a very sharp fine needle and squeezing out a drop. The accuracy is not very important but even uncalibrated readings can show trends that may provide evidence of the health impact of work related chronic low-level stress.
Randy thanks for this one especially. It felt very real. Seconded on all points.
One tell even when one has no consciousness of being stressed at work is having a sweet tooth that vanishes on weekends. Because stress isn’t all in the head. The human body is a tightly integrated system.
Chronic low-level stress can lead to the secretion of high levels of glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids promote gluconeogenesis in the liver, decrease glucose uptake and utilization in skeletal muscle and white adipose tissue, and cause hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, eventually leading to diabetes 2.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the resulting decrease in cellular uptake of glucose can induce hunger, commonly including cravings for carbohydrates, especially sweets. Clinical manifestations include high frequency and volume of urination and decreased sensitivity in the soles of the feet. Pinpricks are less noticeable. Fatigue and/or sleep disturbances are also signs.
It may be helpful to self-monitor glucose levels with over-the-counter test strips and readers. The require making a break in the skin of a finger with a very sharp fine needle and squeezing out a drop. The accuracy is not very important but even uncalibrated readings can show trends that may provide evidence of the health impact of work related chronic low-level stress.