Doctor Amir Khan has issued a stark warning about the toll chronic stress can take on the body, revealing that it could heighten the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The medical expert, well known for his appearances on ITV, explained the biological mechanisms behind this link in a video posted on Instagram.
The Link Between Stress and Diabetes
While occasional stress is a normal part of life, chronic stress is increasingly common. A 2025 survey by VitalityHealth found that more than one in five Britons (22 per cent) feel stressed every day, with an additional 21 per cent experiencing significant stress at least once a week. Dr Amir highlighted why this trend is concerning, particularly regarding metabolic health.
In his video, Dr Amir explained: "Let's talk about stress, cortisol, and insulin resistance because this is something I get asked about all the time in my diabetes clinic. When we're stressed, our bodies release stress hormones, including cortisol."
He noted that cortisol is not inherently harmful; it evolved to help humans survive threats. Thousands of years ago, cortisol would rise to release stored energy into the bloodstream, enabling a fight-or-flight response. However, the body does not distinguish between a physical threat and modern stressors like work, finances, or family responsibilities.
How Chronic Stress Affects the Body
Dr Amir elaborated on the physiological impact: "When cortisol rises, it tells the liver to release more glucose into the blood. To deal with that extra glucose, the pancreas releases insulin. If stress is short-lived, that's perfectly normal. But when stress becomes chronic and cortisol levels stay elevated for weeks, months or even years, insulin levels stay high too."
Over time, the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, a condition known as insulin resistance. Dr Amir likened this to "constantly knocking on a door so often that eventually nobody can be bothered to answer it." The pancreas then produces even more insulin to achieve the same effect, setting the stage for type 2 diabetes.
Cortisol also influences cravings and fat storage. Dr Amir added: "Cortisol can increase cravings for sugary, fatty, high-calorie foods, disrupt sleep and encourage fat storage around the tummy area, all of which can worsen insulin resistance."
He concluded that while stress does not directly cause diabetes, chronic stress creates the perfect environment for insulin resistance to develop, particularly when combined with poor sleep, inactivity, and weight gain. "That's why managing stress isn't just about mental well-being. Looking after your stress levels, prioritising sleep, exercising regularly, and taking time to switch off can have a genuine impact on your metabolic health," he said.
Support from Diabetes UK
Dr Amir's advice is supported by Diabetes UK. The charity states on its website: "If you're feeling stressed, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This should give you an energy boost for a 'fight or flight' response. But the hormones actually make it harder for insulin to work properly, known as insulin resistance. As energy can't get into your cells, your blood sugar levels rise."
If blood sugar levels become too high, it can lead to hyperglycaemia. The charity warns that prolonged stress can keep blood sugar levels high and increase the risk of diabetes complications, as well as affecting mood and self-care.
Tips for Managing Stress
The NHS offers several recommendations for those struggling with stress:
- Talk about your feelings to a friend, family member or health professional. You can also contact Samaritans by phone on 116 123.
- Explore the 10 stress busters, including starting exercise and setting aside time for yourself.
- Use time-management techniques to take control.
- Practice breathing exercises for stress relief.
- Plan ahead for stressful days or events, such as long journeys or making to-do lists.
- Consider peer support through organisations like Mind.
- Listen to free mental wellbeing audio guides.
- Avoid trying to do everything at once; set small, achievable targets.
- Do not focus on things you cannot change; concentrate on helping yourself feel better.
- Do not tell yourself you are alone; most people feel stressed at some point.
- Avoid using alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or drugs to relieve stress, as these can worsen mental health.
