Does Stress Increase Blood Sugar Levels?

Posted on Mon, 13 Apr 2015

Question: I recently took 2 glucose teats about 2 weeks apart. Would stress cause an enormous rise in blood sugar levels? In a years time, I went from 115 to above 300 in my test. Also, I have experiences slight tenderness under my right rib cage. Should I be worried about this pain?

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consideration

Detailed Answer:
thanks for sending the question.

Stress can cause an increase in blood sugar but not to the point where it would be increased from 115 to 300. I would estimate that stress might increase the blood sugar by a few points but not well over 100. I suspect there may be some other metabolic issues going on. If you have gained some weight this can definitely play a significant role

I suggest that you talk about this with your doctor and your doctor might consider some lifestyle modifications to help bring your blood sugar under better control.

Regarding the pain under the right rib cage there are a couple of considerations. Your gallbladder is in this area and if there are stones in the gallbladder this can sometimes cause pain. Also it's possible that you could develop an ulcer which could cause painin this region.

Please have your doctor performed a good physical examination to evaluate that particular issue.

Thanks again for sending your question. I wish you all the best and continued optimal health.

Dr. Galamaga

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar