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You are here: Home / Reducing Stress / The Truth About Coronavirus Stress and Diabetes

The Truth About Coronavirus Stress and Diabetes

April 17, 2020 By Toby Smithson

This Coronavirus pandemic is incredibly stressful, not only from worry but also about terribly practical stresses like illness (such as diabetes), loss of income, or even death of a loved one. Is there an answer?

Hi Everyone, I’m Toby Smithson with DiabetesEveryDay. Today I’m going to touch on a sensitive subject. Stress. Stress has an effect on our diabetes management and stress comes in all sorts of ways.

At this particular time, the scope of the coronavirus pandemic makes stress essentially unavoidable…uncertainty, fear, boredom, constant change….it’s the perfect recipe. My patients have been talking a lot to me about stress eating and it is an important issue because keeping our diabetes in check is very important right now. I can help with that

You may also enjoy – Traveling with Diabetes and Staying on Track

Stress can make us prone to eating more food than necessary or choosing foods that we call junk foods.. foods with little nutritional value. Here are a couple of really simple tips to help limit stress eating:

4 Tips to Limit Stress Eating With Diabetes

  • I’m a true believer in setting prompts and it works well for stress eating and can help put limits within your environment…like working from home.
  • If you work from home, set a designated area for your office space which does not include space for eating.  And, set up a designated space FOR eating where you would eat your meals or snacks. Having these designated spaces will help you avoid distracted eating while you are working.
  • Out of sight out of mind. Keep snack foods out of reach and out of sight. Make it difficult to access less healthy food to munch on. And stock your kitchen with healthy food choices like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and lean protein foods.
  • Keep busy. If you are craving food to snack but your blood sugar is trending above target, it’s not an appropriate time to snack.  Get busy and get busy with things that require the use of your hands so they aren’t free to snack.  Sewing, riding a bicycle, walking on a treadmill or elliptical, using hand weights or even canned food as your hand weights or taking a walk with your dog and you can even take this further to keep your hands busy by carrying a poop bag as you walk the dog.

This ultra- stressful time will pass, but sometimes stress lingers. And, there are always other stresses. If you are finding yourself dealing with stress by eating more food, try one or more of my tips and please share your best tips below. Cheers to your health.

Be sure to check out:

  • Diabetes Nutrition with Shelf Life
  • 3 Easy Tips for Managing Blood Sugar
  • Five Ways to Practice Diabetes Self-Compassion (and forget perfection)
  • Sesame-Infused Steamed Haddock
  • Diabetes Question- Can I Eat Oatmeal?

Filed Under: Reducing Stress

Toby Smithson Diabetes Everyday

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Toby Smithson dynamically combines her knowledge as a certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian nutritionist with her life experiences successfully managing type 1 diabetes for more than five decades.

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Recent Posts

  • Diabetes Nutrition with Shelf Life February 26, 2021
  • 3 Easy Tips for Managing Blood Sugar February 26, 2021
  • Five Ways to Practice Diabetes Self-Compassion (and forget perfection) February 26, 2021
  • Sesame-Infused Steamed Haddock February 18, 2021
  • Diabetes Question- Can I Eat Oatmeal? February 4, 2021

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Feb 26

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Took my #englishspringerspaniel for a walk to the #beach to meetup with her sister. I feel like this photo can be straight out of a movie. What’s the caption you’d write for this photo?  #relaxationtime #stressrelief #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspanielsofig #diabetesmanagement

Took my #englishspringerspaniel for a walk to the #beach to meetup with her sister. I feel like this photo can be straight out of a movie. What’s the caption you’d write for this photo? #relaxationtime #stressrelief #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspanielsofig #diabetesmanagement ...

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Feb 24

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Nobody asks for this job but if you’ve been diagnosed with #type1diabetes or #type2diabetes, you are a “ #Diabetes Manager”. 
Note: #healthylifestyle is number 1 on the daily task list. #healthyeating #exercise #monitoring #bloodsugar #diabetesmanagement 
#diabetescommunity #diabetesonlinecommunity  #diabeteslife  https://youtu.be/BmV54BJZ0aQ

Nobody asks for this job but if you’ve been diagnosed with #type1diabetes or #type2diabetes, you are a “ #Diabetes Manager”.
Note: #healthylifestyle is number 1 on the daily task list. #healthyeating #exercise #monitoring #bloodsugar #diabetesmanagement
#diabetescommunity #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabeteslife

https://youtu.be/BmV54BJZ0aQ
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Feb 24

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Trying something new this year for our #vegetablegarden by growing #tomatoes and #bellpeppers via a #hydroponicgarden .  Does anyone have any tips for replanting in my garden after last frost date?  #haveaplant #freshtomatoes #healthyeating #stressrelief #freshvegetables #southcarolina

Trying something new this year for our #vegetablegarden by growing #tomatoes and #bellpeppers via a #hydroponicgarden . Does anyone have any tips for replanting in my garden after last frost date? #haveaplant #freshtomatoes #healthyeating #stressrelief #freshvegetables #southcarolina ...

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Feb 21

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#diabetes #diabetestype1 #diabetestype2 #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunity #diabetessupport #diabeteseducation #type1diabetes #type2diabetes

#diabetes #diabetestype1 #diabetestype2 #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunity #diabetessupport #diabeteseducation #type1diabetes #type2diabetes ...

tobysmithson

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Feb 20

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Best picks from myself and fellow dietitians when driving thru the #fastfood lane.  @huffingtonpost_ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/healthy-fast-food-drive-thru_l_5ff5ce55c5b665581f66efe2

Best picks from myself and fellow dietitians when driving thru the #fastfood lane. @huffingtonpost_ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/healthy-fast-food-drive-thru_l_5ff5ce55c5b665581f66efe2 ...

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Feb 20

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Happy #NationalLoveYourDogDay Addie. Rescuing you was one of the best things that happened in 2020! #EnglishSpringer #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerspaniel  #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspaniels #englishspringerrescue

Happy #NationalLoveYourDogDay Addie. Rescuing you was one of the best things that happened in 2020! #EnglishSpringer #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerspaniel #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspaniels #englishspringerrescue ...

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Feb 18

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It was a lot of fun watching a movie that our #englishspringerspaniel loved too! She was listening to every chirp from the magpie in the Penguin Bloom movie. #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspaniels #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerrescue

It was a lot of fun watching a movie that our #englishspringerspaniel loved too! She was listening to every chirp from the magpie in the Penguin Bloom movie. #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspaniels #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerrescue ...

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Feb 17

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Happy #cannedfoodmonth ! With all the winter storms or heavy rain we’ve experienced, it’s a perfect time to make sure your pantry is well stocked. Video link in YouTube bio. #cannedfoodfan @pacificcoastproducers1971 #cannedfruit #cannedfood #diabetes #cannedtomatoes #diabetesmanagement @cannedfoodfan #healthyeating

Happy #cannedfoodmonth ! With all the winter storms or heavy rain we’ve experienced, it’s a perfect time to make sure your pantry is well stocked. Video link in YouTube bio. #cannedfoodfan @pacificcoastproducers1971 #cannedfruit #cannedfood #diabetes #cannedtomatoes #diabetesmanagement @cannedfoodfan #healthyeating ...

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Feb 15

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Instagram post 17859482681396672

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Feb 10

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Very important message for everyone although this #video is directly related to people with #diabetes . Link to video is in bio under #youtube.  Are you hard on yourself? A perfectionist? Do you show yourself #compassion? Thank you @diabetesredefined for sharing your wisdom. #bekind #bekindtoyourself #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunityonline

Very important message for everyone although this #video is directly related to people with #diabetes . Link to video is in bio under #youtube. Are you hard on yourself? A perfectionist? Do you show yourself #compassion? Thank you @diabetesredefined for sharing your wisdom. #bekind #bekindtoyourself #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunityonline ...

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Feb 9

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Shout out to canned foods during #nationalcannedfoods month. People with #diabetes can choose the option of canned #fruits in natural juice instead of light or heavy syrup. #cannedfoods Pacific Coast Producers Fan Page #cannedfruit #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #diabetescommunity #diabetesfriendly @pacificcoastproducers1971

Shout out to canned foods during #nationalcannedfoods month. People with #diabetes can choose the option of canned #fruits in natural juice instead of light or heavy syrup. #cannedfoods Pacific Coast Producers Fan Page #cannedfruit #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #diabetescommunity #diabetesfriendly @pacificcoastproducers1971 ...

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Feb 5

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Looking for some new #recipes that are #hearthealthy ? I’m thankful that fellow registered dietitians @cindykleckner and @chewthefacts loaned me one of their #fish recipes to share with you all.  Check out this video link in my bio. #americanheartassociation  #wearredday #diabetesfriendly #lowcarb #diabetescommunity #dashdiet #healthyeating #type1diabetes #type2diabetes

Looking for some new #recipes that are #hearthealthy ? I’m thankful that fellow registered dietitians @cindykleckner and @chewthefacts loaned me one of their #fish recipes to share with you all. Check out this video link in my bio. #americanheartassociation #wearredday #diabetesfriendly #lowcarb #diabetescommunity #dashdiet #healthyeating #type1diabetes #type2diabetes ...

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Feb 3

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Thrilled to receive #covidvaccine #2. 
Aside from my happiness of no snow, no freezing temperatures, I’m also glad to live in a small town where it literally took me 10 minutes to drive to the vaccine clinic at the local hospital. #stayingsafe #stayinghealthy

Thrilled to receive #covidvaccine #2.
Aside from my happiness of no snow, no freezing temperatures, I’m also glad to live in a small town where it literally took me 10 minutes to drive to the vaccine clinic at the local hospital. #stayingsafe #stayinghealthy
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Feb 1

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I LOVE this topic on #ForestBathing and even more research has emerged about the benefits during uncertain times. #selfcare #stressfreechallenge @usnews  How to Use Nature to Reduce Stress – and More
https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/benefits-of-forest-bathing-for-stress
Research shows that forest bathing offers significant benefits for physical and mental health. New studies show it can also help manage blood sugar levels for people with #diabetes.

I LOVE this topic on #ForestBathing and even more research has emerged about the benefits during uncertain times. #selfcare #stressfreechallenge @usnews

How to Use Nature to Reduce Stress – and More
https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/benefits-of-forest-bathing-for-stress
Research shows that forest bathing offers significant benefits for physical and mental health. New studies show it can also help manage blood sugar levels for people with #diabetes.
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Jan 27

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This is one of the most asked questions... what’s the best #snack? Here is my response...
#diabetes #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunity #healthyeating #nuts @californiaalmonds almonds @superseedz #fruit #haveaplant #cheese #yogurt #tea #coffee #vegetables #chiaseeds 
Video link in bio

This is one of the most asked questions... what’s the best #snack? Here is my response...
#diabetes #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunity #healthyeating #nuts @californiaalmonds almonds @superseedz #fruit #haveaplant #cheese #yogurt #tea #coffee #vegetables #chiaseeds
Video link in bio
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Jan 21

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Celebrating #NationalOatmealMonth with the lowdown on best and favorite choices for people with #diabetes. Info is good for everyone to hear.  P.S .I eat #oats every morning all year long. #oatmealmonth #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #carbs #carbohydrates #fiber
@bobsredmill @quaker  #oatmeal #steelcutoats #rolledoats #quickoats #hemphearts @manitobaharvest @almondsmx #pistachios #peanuts #eggenthusiast @wonderfulpistachios @peanutrd @peanutinstitute @egg.nutrition 
Video link in bio.

Celebrating #NationalOatmealMonth with the lowdown on best and favorite choices for people with #diabetes. Info is good for everyone to hear. P.S .I eat #oats every morning all year long. #oatmealmonth #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #carbs #carbohydrates #fiber
@bobsredmill @quaker #oatmeal #steelcutoats #rolledoats #quickoats #hemphearts @manitobaharvest @almondsmx #pistachios #peanuts #eggenthusiast @wonderfulpistachios @peanutrd @peanutinstitute @egg.nutrition
Video link in bio.
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Jan 15

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Have you tried this yet? Most definitely top of my list of things to do lately. This #video is worth viewing for everyone, not just for people with #diabetes. Link to video in bio  #diabetesmanagement #forestbathing #forestbathing🌲🌲🌲 #type1diabetes #type2diabetes  #type1 #type2 #relaxation #stressrelief #stressmanagement #stressreliever

Have you tried this yet? Most definitely top of my list of things to do lately. This #video is worth viewing for everyone, not just for people with #diabetes. Link to video in bio #diabetesmanagement #forestbathing #forestbathing🌲🌲🌲 #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #type1 #type2 #relaxation #stressrelief #stressmanagement #stressreliever ...

tobysmithson

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Jan 14

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Double thankful: got my #COVID19 #vaccine today and so glad to be living in a small town because it was quick and easy...no waiting in any line, vaccine didn’t hurt, staff was super friendly and people I knew from my neighborhood! #Igotmyshot

Double thankful: got my #COVID19 #vaccine today and so glad to be living in a small town because it was quick and easy...no waiting in any line, vaccine didn’t hurt, staff was super friendly and people I knew from my neighborhood! #Igotmyshot ...

tobysmithson

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Jan 7

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Need some distraction from the stress of the day? These two springers are step
Sisters. Rescued from the same household several states away and coincidentally reunited as the owners (myself and Diane Myers-Mosher) live in the same subdivision. ❤️ #englishspringerspaniels #englishspringerrescue #englishspringerrescueassociation @dimmosher

Need some distraction from the stress of the day? These two springers are step
Sisters. Rescued from the same household several states away and coincidentally reunited as the owners (myself and Diane Myers-Mosher) live in the same subdivision. ❤️ #englishspringerspaniels #englishspringerrescue #englishspringerrescueassociation @dimmosher
...

tobysmithson

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Jan 6

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Needing a distraction from the news? Let’s talk healthy eating for the new year for people with #diabetes - Starting soon. @diabetesstrong_ig

Needing a distraction from the news? Let’s talk healthy eating for the new year for people with #diabetes - Starting soon. @diabetesstrong_ig ...

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