By Novo Nordisk. The
Copyright indiatimes
ET Spotlight
If you’ve ever felt your heart racing after a heated team meeting or caught yourself skipping meals just to meet a deadline, you’re not alone—your heart likely remembers those moments too. New scientific studies show a worrying connection between workplace stress and a range of heart problems, from stubbornly high blood pressure to increased risk of heart attacks.1 Chronic stress can disrupt blood sugar levels, making it harder for the body to regulate GLP-1 and insulin, a key factor in diabetes development.Workplace stress is more than just a productivity killer—it’s a silent threat to your heart. And if you’re living with diabetes, the stakes are even higher. People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease or suffer a stroke compared to those without it. That’s because high blood sugar over time can damage blood vessels and nerves that control the heart. Add in common workplace stressors—tight deadlines, skipped meals, long hours, and lack of movement—and you’ve got a recipe for cardiovascular trouble.ET SpotlightDr Bhupen Desai, Cardiologist,Consultant Physician,Interventional Cardiologist, MumbaiET SpotlightDr Vivek Mahajan, Consultant interventional Cardiologist, Fortis Hospital & Mahajan Heart ClinicThe diabetes–heart connectionEven when blood sugar is well-managed, diabetes increases the risk of heart disease. Why? Because it often comes with other risk factors, including:High blood pressureUnhealthy cholesterol levelsObesity and insulin resistancePhysical inactivityThese factors are common in high-stress work environments, where people may skip exercise, rely on processed foods, or struggle with sleep. Over time, this can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, reduced blood flow, and increased risk of heart attacks or heart failure.Live EventsWhile high-stress work environments can adversely affect anyone’s health, men may be at particular risk. An extensive 18-year research project followed thousands of office employees and found that men facing high job demands, low control, and little recognition were almost twice as likely to develop heart disease than those in less stressful jobs. The risk wasn’t just from stress hormones; it came from the way stress shapes everyday habits. Skipping exercise, grabbing fast food, sleeping poorly, or turning to cigarettes can all make a tough job even harder on your heart.2Thankfully, organisations can help—and so can you. Studies show that when businesses invest in better support and wellness programmes, rates of heart problems decrease.1 That means encouraging lunch breaks, regular movement, and open conversations about managing workloads make a real difference.ET SpotlightWhat can you do at work to protect your heart, especially with Type 2 diabetes?Managing heart health at work doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul—just a few smart changes:Take movement breaks: Even short walks or stretches can improve circulation and reduce stress.Eat mindfully: Choose whole foods over processed snacks. Keep healthy options at your desk.Track your numbers: Monitor your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol regularly.Talk to your doctor: Ask about heart screenings and medications that support both diabetes and heart health.Some medical treatments have shown promise in supporting both blood sugar control and cardiovascular health. Speak with your healthcare provider to understand what options may be appropriate for your individual needs.Of course, lifestyle modifications are paramount. Looking beyond daily habits, protecting your heart also means thinking long term. If stress at work feels unmanageable or is affecting your health, consider reaching out for medical advice or joining wellness programmes designed to help. Your heart isn’t just affected by the food you eat or the miles you walk—it’s shaped by your work life, your relationships with colleagues, and how you manage daily pressures.As we mark World Heart Month, it’s a timely reminder that heart health isn’t just about avoiding disease—it’s about thriving in every part of life, including your career. Whether you’re managing diabetes or simply trying to stay well, protecting your heart at work is one of the smartest moves you can make. Because your health powers everything—your focus, your energy, your future.References:Harvard Heart Letter. “Work stress linked to poor heart health” (2025)American Heart Association. “Stress and Heart Health” (2024)Harvard Heart Letter. “Stress at work takes a toll on the heart” (2023)Disclaimer: This content is part of a disease awareness initiative by Novo Nordisk. The opinions and views are that of the Healthcare Professionals. The news and editorial staff of ET had no role in the creation of this article nor vouch for or endorse any of its content. While the content on this site provides general information about health and wellbeing. It is not intended as medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. If you need help getting your health under control, we recommend speaking to your doctor.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
(This article is generated and published by ET Spotlight team. You can get in touch with them on etspotlight@timesinternet.in)
Read More News onworld heart monthdiabetes and heart diseasenovo nordiskdiabetesdiabetes development
(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online….moreless
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onworld heart monthdiabetes and heart diseasenovo nordiskdiabetesdiabetes development(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online….moreless
