Stress
Taking a moment for mental health: Why it matters for your glucose and diabetes
Published: May. 1, 2025
4 min read
The content in this article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.
Mental health has many dimensions. It’s about overall well-being, resilience, and the ability to navigate life’s ups and downs. The World Health Organization (WHO) puts it this way: mental health is “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.” As it happens, May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and that makes now a perfect time to check in with yourself.
Just like physical health, mental well-being isn’t static. Some days or even months feel easier, while others can feel like an uphill climb. And even if you don’t have a diagnosed mental health condition, life’s inevitable stressors can take a toll on your mental health. That’s why prioritizing mental well-being is essential. And this is especially true when managing glucose levels.
The link between mental health, diabetes, and glucose management
Your mental health is closely related to your physical health. Whether you’re living with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or are tracking your glucose fluctuations without a diagnosed condition, managing stress and emotional well-being plays a key role in overall health. High stress levels can lead to increased glucose levels due to the release of cortisol, while poor sleep can affect insulin sensitivity. On the flip side, prioritizing mental well-being through stress management and sleep can improve your body’s ability to maintain stable glucose levels.
Lifestyle habits that support both mental health and glucose levels
When we think about glucose management, we often focus on nutrition, physical activity, and medication (if prescribed). But stress management and sleep are also very important. Here’s how these often-overlooked lifestyle factors play a role.
Managing stress
Chronic stress can cause glucose spikes, making it harder to maintain steady glucose levels. Finding ways to manage stress is good for your mental health and beneficial for your body too. Here are three ways to minimize stress:
1. Make time for activities that bring you joy
Whether it’s reading, painting, hiking, or listening to music, prioritizing things you love can help lower stress.
2. Surround yourself with supportive people
3. Practice time management
Balancing a career and your personal life can be overwhelming, but organizing your time effectively can help reduce stress. Try creating a personalized schedule that aligns with your daily routine and priorities, ensuring a balanced approach for your lifestyle.
Prioritizing sleep
Poor sleep doesn’t just leave you feeling groggy; it can also decrease insulin sensitivity, making it harder for your body to regulate glucose. Sleep and mental health are also closely linked, with research showing that lack of sleep can amplify negative emotions and stress. If you struggle with getting enough quality rest, try out the following suggestions:
Stick to a consistent sleep schedule
Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps regulate your body’s internal clock.
Create a restful sleep environment
A cool, dark, and quiet space can improve sleep quality.
Manage stress before bedtime
Avoid overstimulating activities and try calming techniques like deep breathing or reading before bed.
Stay active throughout the day
Regular physical activity can improve sleep quality and help regulate stress levels.
Supporting your mental and physical health with Stelo
This Mental Health Awareness Month, take a moment to reflect on what you need to feel your best. If you’re working on balancing glucose levels while also prioritizing your mental well-being, having the right tools can make a difference. Stelo helps you understand how your body responds to food, stress, sleep, and other daily activities, giving you valuable insights that can empower you to make choices that support both your physical and mental health.
Small changes can add up to a big impact—you’ve got this.
Curated & reviewed by: Maggie Crawford,
PhD, MPH
PhD, MPH
Maggie Crawford is the Senior Manager of Behavioral Science at Dexcom. She has a PhD in Public Health, Health Behavior and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology
