Stress & Diabetes Prevention

There are two main types of diabetes -- type I and type II. Type I diabetes requires insulin injections as part of the diabetes care. No-one likes the thought of the major lifestyle changes required when you become diabetic. Daily stress can play havoc on your body and interfere with how your body uses insulin. You should focus on combining stress control and diabetes prevention.

Relaxation Activities

• One significant method to reduce stress and help with diabetes prevention is participating in relaxation activities on a regular basis. You don't have to spend a fortune to relax. You don't have to study and learn unfamiliar relaxation techniques to participate in relaxation activities. Spend relaxing time working on your hobbies. You can take daily casual walks through your neighborhood or work on a flower garden. Find relaxing activities you already know to do on a daily basis.

Regular Meal Schedule

• A regular meal schedule is crucial in reducing stress on the body and helping to prevent diabetes. Your body regulates the amount of nutrients you absorb based on each meal. Fluctuating meal times and even skipping meals make it stressful for your body to naturally regulate and utilize nutrients. Focus on eating approximately the same time daily without skipping meals. This will reduce the stress on your body and help prevent diabetes.

Anger Management

• Anger is a major stress factor on your mind and your physical body. You tense up. You can produce more acid in your stomach. Your blood pressure rises. Take the time to learn anger management coping skills to reduce the amount of stress, tension and anger in your life. For example, count to ten before reacting to something someone else has said to you. Focus on finding solutions to problems, instead of laying blame. Stress from anger decreases your body's natural ability to utilize insulin and prevent diabetes.

Build Immune System

• Take precautions to stay healthy and keep your immune system strong. Stress reduces your body's ability to fight infections and resist illnesses. You can prevent diabetes by focusing on ways to reduce stress and keep your immune system strong. For example, keep a bottle of hand sanitizer with you and use it frequently to reduce germ exposure and potential illness. Avoid crowded areas during cold and flu seasons to reduce exposure. Discuss problems with a friend or family member to reduce the stress and find solutions.

Exercise

• Exercise is one of the best methods to reduce stress. Your body thrives on moderate and regular exercise to function best. Exercise will not only reduce stress, but it will help in diabetes prevention. Cardiovascular exercise is particularly important for maintaining a strong circulation system in people that are at risk for diabetes. This type of exercise will strengthen the body's muscles, including the heart, to make it more resilient in stressful situations. Take a brisk daily walk at your local mall or walking path at your local park. Walk in place while watching your favorite television show.