Stress & Sugar: The Line Between

Think about it in your own life—how much time do you spend scrolling through your phone or sitting in front of a screen? Now, consider how often you choose convenience over nutrition, grabbing fast food instead of something healthier.

Our modern lifestyle, with its endless screen time, less physical activity, and quick access to sugary snacks, has set the stage for health challenges like diabetes. When you spend more time sitting and less time moving, your risk of gaining weight goes up, which is a major factor in developing type 2 diabetes. Plus, with so many processed foods and sugary snacks available, it's easy to eat more sugar and fat than you realize, leading to weight gain and problems with how your body handles insulin.

Stress and lack of sleep, which many teens deal with, also mess with your body’s ability to manage blood sugar. Constant stress and late nights scrolling on your phone can throw off your hormones, making it harder for your body to process sugar and increasing your risk of diabetes.

But there’s more to it—diabetes can even affect your brain. High blood sugar levels can lead to problems with memory, concentration, and decision-making. Over time, if diabetes isn’t managed well, it can lead to changes in brain structure and function, making it harder to focus in school, remember things, and even impact your mood.

The good news is that you can take control and protect both your body and your brain. Start by making small changes. A little goes a long way!

1. Get Moving: Try to be more active every day. Whether it’s walking, biking, or choosing stairs over elevators, moving your body helps manage your weight and improves how your body uses insulin.

   
   

2. Try to Eat Smarter: Focus on eating whole foods like fruits, veggies, and lean proteins. Cut back on sugary snacks and drinks, and watch out for hidden sugars in packaged foods.

   
   

3. Manage Stress: Stress is a part of life, but how you deal with it matters. Techniques like mindfulness and taking a minute to breathe can help keep stress in check, which is crucial for preventing diabetes. Check out some of our resources for more ways to manage stress!

   
   

4. Prioritize Sleep: Aim for a good night’s sleep by keeping a consistent bedtime and reducing screen time before bed. We know its hard for teens to sleep early with everything going on, from homework to sports. However, sleep is key to maintaining hormonal balance, overall health, and protecting your brain. So trying to sleep even an hour earlier than you normally do, goes a long way.

Taking care of your body doesn't have to be hard. By understanding the risks and making healthy choices now, you can protect yourself in the future. Remember, you only have one you!