14 Everyday Habits Silently Sabotaging Your Blood Sugar Control

2. Stress and Its Silent Influence

Stress, often dubbed the "silent killer," exerts a profound influence on blood sugar levels. When the body perceives stress, it triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that increases blood glucose as part of the fight-or-flight response. While this mechanism is essential for survival, chronic stress leads to persistently elevated cortisol levels, resulting in sustained high blood sugar. Additionally, stress can drive unhealthy eating behaviors, such as cravings for high-sugar foods, further complicating blood sugar control. By recognizing stress as a covert disruptor, individuals can adopt stress-management techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation, to mitigate its impact on blood sugar stability.