Diabetes is a lifestyle disease that can affect anyone at any age. On World Diabetes Day, experts are drawing attention to an often-overlooked factor in the rise of type 2 diabetes: chronic stress and its key hormone, cortisol. A recent study presented at the American Diabetes Association 2025 Scientific Sessions highlighted that up to one in four people with difficult-to-control diabetes had higher-than-normal cortisol levels when tested. This reinforces what endocrinologists see in clinics – stress physiology can worsen blood sugar control even when medications are optimised.

What is Cortisol aka the Stress Hormone?

Dr Vimal Pahuja, MD, Associate Director, Internal Medicine & Metabolic Physician, Diabetes & Weight Management Clinic, Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai, explains,

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