Chronic Daily Stress and Its Impact on Glycemic Elevation and Diabetes Mellitus: A Multicenter Study

Objective: Chronic psychosocial stress is increasingly recognized as a contributor to impaired glucose regulation and diabetes progression. This study examined the association between daily stress levels and glycemic control in adults with long-standing diabetes.

Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in five hospitals several public and private hospitals in West Sumatra from July 2023 to February 2025 involving 214 adults with type 2 diabetes (≥3 years). Stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale, and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial glucose (PPG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were analyzed. Multivariable linear regression adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, diabetes duration, and medication use.

Results: Higher stress scores were significantly correlated with increased FPG (r = 0.62, P < .001), PPG (r = 0.55, P < .001), and HbA1c (r = 0.48, P < .001). Each 1-unit increase in stress score predicted rises of 2.8 mg/dL in FPG, 4.5 mg/dL in PPG, and 0.07% in HbA1c, independent of confounders.

Conclusion: Chronic daily stress is strongly associated with poor glycemic control. Integrating stress management strategies may improve metabolic outcomes among diabetic patients.

Cite this article as: D A. Chronic daily stress and its impact on glycemic elevation and diabetes mellitus: a multicenter study. Endocrinol Res Pract. September 1, 2026. doi: 10.5152/erp.2026.25807.