Did you know? Stress affects your blood sugar.

If you haven't heard my whole story yet (replay here), you might not have heard me connect the dots between stress and diabetes.

There are four factors that affect our blood sugar: food, exercise, medications, and stress.

I took to the first three right away, doctor's orders. Started listening to my body and nourishing myself properly, started making healthier choices. Started walking 30-45 minutes a day. Took my meds. Got results in my physical body, but my blood sugar was still elevated.

Had to take a look at that 4th bucket, stress.

At the time of my diagnosis, I was managing email marketing for NBC and it was the week before fall premieres. Hands down the most stressful time in my Corporate career. I knew I needed to make some changes.

I started advocating for myself more at work. Tried to establish boundaries. Suggested maybe I could help run some women's empowerment programs to help get my work aligned with the things that light me on fire. But when you're working with Fortune 500 brands at one of the top integrated marketing firms, reducing your hours is frowned upon. My worth to the organization was measured in the hours I was billing.

So I quit that job, and joined my friends startup. 95 panic-attack inducing days later, I quit.

And while it wasn't a popular decision, it was the most authentic decision I've ever made for myself. I chose to build a life that prioritizes my health first and foremost.

Less than a year after making that decision, my Type 2 Diabetes is in remission.

30 million Americans live with diabetes every day. 84 million Americans are pre-diabetic and 90% of those people don't know they are.

Please ask for a blood glucose test at your next doctor's appointment. Especially if you have a stressful career. Even if you love the work you do, it could be killing you. Is your job worth your life?

Here is a great article about exactly this from Mind Body Green.