Emotions being linked to physical health is nothing new. Countless studies demonstrate the effect depression and anxiety have on the body, including decreased immune function and a higher incidence of cancer and disease.

Could emotional distress also put you at risk for diabetes? The answer, unfortunately, is yes.

Emotions and High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can develop due to a number of factors such as weight gain and a diet high in unhealthy fats and sugars. There are some causes of high blood pressure that carry only a temporary risk. High pain levels, for instance, can cause a spike in blood pressure, as well as a near-death or high-risk experience.

Emotions differ from these sources of high blood pressure in a few key ways, the most problematic being that people don’t usually associate feelings of anger with a rise in blood pressure—after all, anger is an emotion usually caused by external stimuli. Eradicate the stimuli and eradicate your anger, right? Not exactly: prolonged or regular bouts of anger can actually drive high blood pressure up consistently, paving the path to an increased risk of developing diabetes.

Anxiety, too, is often the source of high blood pressure and can result in a prolonged state of high blood pressure readings, which also puts people at risk of developing diabetes.

Lowering Your Risk

Happily, regular attacks of anxiety and anger do not mean a definite diagnosis; consistently managing both of these states help lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of becoming diabetic.

The manner in which you go about managing these states will differ. For some, a visit to a psychologist will be in order to discuss anti-anxiety medication. For others, regular visits to a therapist will be required to develop the tools and techniques required to limit the power of anger.

Some research also showed a link to diet and mental health, with findings suggesting that a diet high in refined sugars and carbohydrates increases the risk of developing an array of disorders, ranging from extreme anxiety to depression. Alongside medication and therapy visits, you can implement a regular exercise regimen and healthy eating practice to not only lower your risk of developing mood disorders but also diabetes.