The intricate interplay between the mind and body is a phenomenon scientists are still unraveling. The fact that emotional health and
physical health are tightly connected has been demonstrated countless times. Yet we are still learning how one set of health issues may predictably lead to another set of health issues.
Medical Journal Reports Link
A new study which appears in a recent edition of JAMA Psychiatry reports a link between having post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a two times greater risk for Type II Diabetes among women. The study involved nearly 50,000 women and spanned over two decades.
People under stress are known to be vulnerable to illness. When stress hormones are firing with near constancy, the potential for the body to fall prey to a chronic illness such as diabetes is high. But researchers now are making the connection between persistent stress and problems with immunity and inflammation which could trigger development of Type II Diabetes.
While the precise mechanisms which explain the increased onset of diabetes among women with PTSD are yet to be discovered, identifying the association is an important step. Understanding the interplay between a mental health condition and chronic physical illness means that addressing the primary problem may avert the second.
Treat PTSD to Lower Risk
If you or someone near you is living with untreated PTSD, the risks are greater than ever. By contrast, if that person gets early help managing PTSD, it’s possible that they could avoid additional lifelong physical problems down the road.
We at Family Guidance believe in a holistic approach to health care. We know that the mind/body connection is very real. We’d like to help you or your loved one treat their PTSD before it seeps over and negatively affects other areas of their physical health. Contact us today and learn how we can help.
