The Anxiety and Blood Sugar Rollercoaster
Anxiety and blood sugar are stuck in a toxic relationship — and you’re the third wheel.
Ever noticed how anxiety makes your blood sugar spike or crash like a toddler on a sugar high? That’s not in your head. It’s biology. But good news: You can hack it.
This isn’t fluff. It’s for people living with diabetes who are tired of advice like “just relax” (cue eye roll).
And nope, I’m not a doctor. Always speak with your diabetes specialist or team.
What Happens When Anxiety Enters the Chat
Your body freaks out. Literally.
Anxiety triggers a fight-or-flight response. That means cortisol and adrenaline go wild, raising your blood glucose — even if you haven’t eaten a thing.
The Vicious Loop: Anxiety Causes Spikes, Spikes Cause Anxiety
Yup, it’s a full-blown feedback loop.
Stress hormones = higher blood sugar. Higher blood sugar = mood swings, irritability, panic. Then, surprise: More anxiety.
Physical Symptoms That Mirror Each Other
Feeling shaky, dizzy, sweaty, heart racing?
That could be anxiety — or it could be your blood sugar nosediving. The overlap makes self-diagnosing harder than explaining crypto to your gran.
Anxiety and Blood Sugar Affects in More Than Just The Short Term
Chronic high blood sugar literally messes with your brain chemicals. Think serotonin, dopamine, the whole mood squad.
No wonder you feel flatlined or edgy.
Cortisol: Your Frenemy Hormone
Cortisol’s job is to save you from sabre-toothed tigers. Unfortunately, it can’t tell the difference between a lion and a work email.
More cortisol = higher blood sugar. Awesome.
Anxiety-Induced Eating and Carb Cravings
Stressed? Eat carbs. Crash? Eat more carbs.
This isn’t weakness. It’s your brain demanding quick fuel — but it’s also a trap.
7 Brutally Honest Ways to Break the Anxiety-Blood Sugar Spiral
1. Label What’s Actually Happening
Are you anxious or hypo? Grab your meter, not your drama.
Data over doom.
2. Stop Doomscrolling at 2am
Scrolling health forums at stupid o’clock doesn’t help.
Log off. Sleep is free therapy.
3. Walk. No, Really. Just Walk.
Walking lowers cortisol, regulates glucose, and doesn’t require Lycra.
It’s embarrassingly effective.
4. Eat Like You’re Not Being Chased
Slow eating = stable sugar.
Shovelling = sugar rollercoaster. Yes, even if it’s a “healthy snack.”
5. Talk to Someone Who Gets It
And no, not that toxic positivity friend.
Find a diabetes group, or hell, scream into a Reddit thread. Just unload.
6. Breathe Like a Pretend Zen Master
Deep breathing isn’t just for yoga influencers.
Box breathing. 4 in, 4 hold, 4 out, 4 hold. Free. Works.
7. Create a Boring Routine
Boring = predictable. Predictable = less panic.
Blood sugar loves boring. Your brain will thank you later.
The Impact of Anxiety on Long-Term Diabetes Management
If anxiety stays, complications knock.
Neglected care, burnout, depression — all of it starts creeping in when anxiety runs the show.
Blood Sugar Swings Can Masquerade as Panic
Fun fact: Hypoglycemia can mimic a full-blown panic attack.
Palpitations, sweat, fear, confusion — yep, all the hits. Check your sugar before you assume it’s “just anxiety.”
Mental Health Screening for People with Diabetes
Everyone checks their A1c, but when did you last check your mental health score?
Ask your doctor for a referral — or at least mention it.
Your Brain on Glucose
Too high? Sluggish and foggy.
Too low? Shaky and irrational.
Balanced? You might just feel… okay? Let’s aim for okay.
Why You’re Not Weak for Feeling This Way
Anxiety is not a personal failing. It’s not “all in your head.”
It’s literally in your nervous system, hormones, blood, and bones.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your anxiety is impacting your daily routine or self-care, don’t wing it.
Call your GP. Reach out to a diabetes-informed therapist. You don’t need to white-knuckle it alone.
Resources That Don’t Suck
- Diabetes UK: Mental health and diabetes
- Mental Health America: Diabetes and Mental Health
- Breakthrough T1D: Mental Health Hub
Final Thought: You’re Allowed to Be a Bit of a Mess
This stuff’s not easy.
But the link between anxiety and blood sugar doesn’t have to rule your life. You can absolutely take back control — and still have bad days without shame.
Feeling stuck in the anxiety and blood sugar blender? You’re not alone.
Head over to mindoversugar.org — get grounded, get real, get unstuck.
Speak soon,
Pete 🙂
Your Diabetes Mindset Coach