USC Westside Center for Diabetes | December 2001 Newsletter

INSIDE THIS ISSUE


		The Results Are In: Therapies to prevent type 2 diabetes compared.

		Pump Update: Minimed Paradigm release postponed, and Disetronic introduces a new infusion set.

		Sugar: Have your fruitcake and eat it too.

		Kids with Diabetes: Care at school is critical to a healthy life, now and later.

		Changing Rules: FAA issues guidelines for flying with diabetes supplies.

		Prevention: USC physician seeks causes and ways to head off diabetes.

Points of Interest


		Handling stress

		Cholesterol-lowering drugs

		Concern Over Atkins Diet

		Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy

		Diabetes... an Aspirin a Day

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Stress and Diabetes
- By Sarah Calistro

In the weeks since the terrorists' attack on the United States on Sept. 11, initial shock over the tragedy has turned into stress and anxiety for many Americans. Those with diabetes, though, may feel the effects even more.

Stress is mental and physical strain that comes about when the body feels as if it is under attack, which leads to anxiety. Feeling under attack triggers the fight-or-flight response.

Although everyone handles stress differently, the fight-orflight response can cause high blood pressure and an increased pulse. Levels of stress hormones rise, which makes stored energyÑmainly glucose and fat—available to cells (priming them to help the body escape danger).

The fight-or-flight response does not always work as efficiently in the body of a person with diabetes. If not enough insulin is available, glucose can build up, and people with type 2 diabetes usually have increased blood sugar levels during stress.

But stress and panic attacks can also appear as hypoglycemia. Type 1 diabetics can have different reactions to stress, with glucose levels falling or rising.

The best way for people with diabetes to deal with stress's effects on the body is to check their blood sugar and treat any high or low sugar levels. During periods of stress, diabetics should monitor blood sugar levels carefully.

Several methods can help reduce stress in those with diabetes:

Try to continue life as usual.
Exercise. It's not only good for diabetes control, but it helps deal with physiological stress on the body.
If feeling overwhelmed with anxiety, try breathing exercises. Sit or lie down in a relaxed position, take in a deep breath and push out as much air as possible. Continue this while remaining relaxed for 5 to 20 minutes a day. Perform these exercises at least once a day if feeling stressed, anxious or depressed.
Try to stay optimistic. Replace bad thoughts with good thoughts.
Avoid watching or reading excessive news coverage, which may be overwhelming.
Prioritize tasks. They'll seem less overwhelming and easier to manage.
Keep a journal of emotions and thoughts about recent events.
Participate in enjoyable activities.
Avoid stimulants and alcohol.
Laugh and smile—it's good for the body to be happy.

Sarah Calistro is a student at UCLA and daughter of center patient Frank Calistro.


	For more information on stress, relaxation and diabetes, visit these Web sites: "Stress" (American Diabetes Association) www.diabetes.org and click on the menu's "Healthy Living" link "Manage Stress" (Life Clinic) www.lifeclinic.com/focus/stress "Diabetes, Depression & Stress" (Carol E. Watkins, MD: Northern County Psychiatric Associates) www.ncpamd.com/dmdepression.htm

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