Cart is emptyCortisol is a steroid hormone in the glucocorticoid class of hormones, it is the classic Fight or Flight hormone.
Stress hormones are secreted by endocrine glands to modify one’s internal environment during the times of stress. By performing various functions such as mobilizing energy sources, increasing heart rate, and down-regulating metabolic processes which are not immediately necessary, stress hormones promote the survival of the organism. The secretions of some hormones are also downplayed during stress. Stress hormones include, but are not limited to:[1]
- Cortisol, the main human stress hormone
- Catecholamines such as adrenaline and norepinephrine
- Vasopressin
- Growth hormone
When used as medication, it is known as hydrocortisone. Cortisol is created in the adrenal cortex of body’s adrenal glands. It can affect nearly every organ in the body because virtually every cell has receptors for Cortisol and other glucocorticoids[2].
Cortisol works to release glucose from the organs, mostly the liver. Where Insulin can load it into the muscles for use. Unfortunately, Cortisol doesn’t know the difference between stress from a “Fight or Flight” situation and an unreasonable request from your boss that causes stress. The effect on the body is the same.
Stress and Cortisol, and the effect Cortisol has on the body plays a big part in overall bodily health. Cortisol and Insulin, both hormones, interact strongly in managing Glucose in the blood stream.
Stress is a big factor in how a Diabetic, either Type1, Type 2 or Prediabetic manages their condition. Learn more about Cortisol and the common techniques for reducing Cortisol and Stress which just happen to be the same for Diabetes.
[1] Wikipedia, “Stress hormone,” (2024), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stress_hormone.
[2] Wikipeda, “Glucocorticoid,” (2024), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucocorticoid.
