Over 220 million US adults suffer from type 2 diabetes. Many people are told that diabetes is purely genetic, but research shows that lifestyle and environmental factors play a major role in its development (EndocrineWeb).
Chronic stress, in particular, has a significant impact on blood sugar levels. When the body is in a constant fight-or-flight state, it releases cortisol, the primary stress hormone, which increases blood glucose levels (Medical News Today).
Over time, this repeated stress response can place strain on the body and contribute to metabolic dysfunction. A review published in Discovery Medicine also suggests that emotional stress may be a contributing factor in the development of type 2 diabetes.
Lifestyle And Type 2 Development
Research shows the following lifestyle choices to be associated with the development of type 2 diabetes:
- Inactivity/lack of exercise
- Unhealthy diet, high in unhealthy fats and low in fiber
- Overweight/Obesity
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Lack of sleep or abnormal sleep patterns
- Recurrent negative thought patterns
The common thread among these lifestyle factors is their impact on the nervous system. Habits such as poor diet, lack of sleep, and chronic stress can keep the body in a constant fight-or-flight state.
When this stress response is activated, the brain signals the release of cortisol—the body’s primary stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels can raise blood sugar (glucose) levels, forcing the body to work harder to maintain balance.
Over time, this ongoing cycle places added stress on key organs involved in blood sugar regulation, contributing to the progression of metabolic dysfunction and increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Recovering From Type 2 Diabetes: Is It Possible?
In some cases, lifestyle changes have been shown to significantly improve blood sugar control and may even lead to remission of type 2 diabetes in certain individuals (EndocrineWeb). These lifestyle changes can include:
- Start an exercise program
- Change your eating habits
- Increase water intake and
- Decrease soda and alcohol consumption
- Improve your sleep patterns
- Change your thoughts, replace negative ones with positive ones
Emerging research suggests that chiropractic adjustments influence the nervous system and the body’s response to stress. Studies examining heart rate variability and brain activity have shown measurable changes following spinal manipulation, indicating a potential shift toward improved autonomic balance and stress regulation (Holt et al., 2019; Zhang et al., 2018).
When autonomic balance is restored, the body’s functions, such as blood sugar regulation, are restored. This makes it possible to function without needing to manage symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes.
Neurological chiropractic is tailored to searching for stress in the nervous system and restoring function to the body’s systems. If you want a chance to recover from type 2, schedule a neurological assessment and take care of the health of your nervous system today!
Healing is always possible. Our office expects miracles. Book your appointment here.
EndocrineWeb. Type 2 Diabetes Causes.
Medical News Today. Stress and Diabetes.
Pouwer, F. Does emotional stress cause type 2 diabetes? Discovery Medicine.
Haavik, H., & Murphy, B. (2007; 2010). Effects of spinal manipulation on sensorimotor integration and motor control. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics; Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology.
Zhang, J., et al. (2018). Spinal manipulation and heart rate variability: A systematic review. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.