Question from India:

Why is there so much emphasis on fasting blood glucose levels, between 6 and 8 a.m., when this is the time at which cortisol levels are the highest?

“Higher and more prolonged levels of cortisol in the bloodstream (like those associated with chronic stress) have been shown to have negative effects, such as: impaired cognitive performance; suppressed thyroid function; blood sugar imbalances such as hyperglycemia; decreased bone density; decrease in muscle tissue,;, higher blood pressure; lowered immunity and inflammatory responses in the body, as well as other health consequences.”

“There is increased abdominal fat, which is associated with a greater amount of health problems than fat deposited in other areas of the body. Some of the health problems associated with increased stomach fat are heart attacks, strokes, the development of higher levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and lower levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL), which can lead to other health problems.”

The above indicated impacts of cortisol may also have other effects due to diabetes.

In view of possible chronic stress in big crowded cities, can measured glucose levels in such big stressful cities be affecting levels of actual diabetes?