Psychological and emotional stress among mothers may trickle down to their kids and increase their children’s risk of having diabetes. Mothers who experienced a stressful event such as divorce, domestic violence, mental tension and work pressure have an increased risk of developing diabetes. Parents who are often stressed out or are having problems is the number one stressor among children. Without the parent’s knowledge, children may get stressed, raising level of cortisol-also called the “stress hormone”.
Cortisol is found adjacent to the kidneys and is released in response to either physical or psychological stress. It breaks down muscle protein into its component amino acid which then circulates the bloodstream. These amino acids are used by the liver in the manufacture of glucose for energy increasing blood sugar level and at the same time lowering the use of glucose as fuel. The excess and deficiency of cortisol in the body may trigger some system disorders such as autoimmunity damaging the insulin-producing beta cells thus resulting in insulin deficiency.
Where does stress come into play? Elevated levels of stress cause the body to release the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is found next to the kidneys and surges when an individual experiences a perceived stressful situation or event. Cortisol breaks down muscle. Its chemical byproducts are released into the bloodstream. The byproducts are used by the liver to produce glucose, thereby increasing blood sugar levels. This contributes to an unbalanced metabolic cycle. The additional glucose that is not used as fuel is stored as fat. In addition, the cortisol that was released in response to the stressful situation causes a deficiency in the body. This can trigger disorders such as autoimmunity. Autoimmunity disorders damage insulin-producing beta cells, leading to an insufficient production of insulin. The result is Type II diabetes and a system so interdependent that any alteration can begin an unending chain reaction.
Not only does stress negatively affect an individual’s body, but it has been found that psychological and emotional stress causes adverse effects, also. Social support and emotional support are reported to ease the side effects of stress greatly. Strong emotional support eases the physical response to stress as well, such as immune system abnormalities. Furthermore, stress experienced by one can cause stress levels to increase in those surrounding him. For example, situations considered stressful experienced by mothers increases her child’s level of stress. Without realizing, a parent can increase the likelihood of their child developing diabetes. Studies have found stress levels and obesity to be a major factor in triggering the onset of diabetes in children.
The number of children at risk of developing Type II diabetes is growing at alarming rates. Studies implicate obesity and stress as factors that contribute to the onset of the disease. It was found parents can pass on their stress level to their children, increasing the likelihood to develop diabetes. For example, mothers who experience stress such as divorce, domestic violence or job stress not only increase their own risk to develop diabetes, but pass on the stress on their children. In addition, psychological and emotional stress can result in physical problems as well. However, a strong social and emotional support system can diminish the impact stress has on a person.
Having diabetes requires careful examination of ones sugar level.
Besides watching for sign of high blood sugar, they also have to be aware of warning signs of blood sugar or hypoglycemia. Using blood glucose meter, a person who has diabetes can tell his/her sugar level is low. Normal fasting blood sugar is 70 to 100