Stress

A normal part of life; it causes the body to behave as if it were under attack.

To deal with the many devastating, so-called "white man diseases" such as diabetes, we must learn to cope with conflict and stress.

Stress is neither good nor bad, but the problem arises in the way people cope with stress.

Sources of stress may be physical or psychological.

An injury or illness may lead to stress.

Type II diabetics often feel discouraged about their ability to manage their disease. There is tremendous stress in living with diabetes.

Diabetics must:

1. Monitor their diet constantly.

2. Exercise regularly.

3. Regulate their blood glucose with daily blood tests and insulin shots.

4. Not drink alcohol.

Stress hormones can alter the glucose levels directly. Stress blocks the body from releasing insulin in people with Type II diabetes.

Psychological causes of stress may be problems within a marriage, loss of a loved one, financial instability, or problems with a job.

In Type II diabetes, mental stress raises blood glucose levels.

Living in harmony with the body and mind was the ideal thing for a majority of Native Americans in our traditional cultures, but today life is full of problems, conflict, chronic stress and cultural change.

There are many ways to manage stress and keep it from interfering with your life.

Good dietary habits are helpful in improving your health.

Link to nutrition

Relaxation therapy seems to help people with Type II diabetes.

Some examples are:

1.

Practicing breathing techniques.

2.

Using mental imagery.

3.

Trying to think positively rather than negatively.

1. The hypothalamus activates the pituitary gland.

2. The pituitary gland then releases a hormone called adrenocorticotrophic (ACTH).

3. ACTH then activates two types of chemicals located in the adrenal glands.

4. The adrenal glands then release the chemicals: catecholamines and corticoids that make the body more "aroused."

5. This process increases blood pressure.