This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. What can we learn from the physiology of endurance athletes as we tackle the epidemic of metabolic illnesses like diabetes and many other modern diseases? In this fascinating talk, Iñigo San Millán shows why endurance cyclists, runners and other athletes should be the gold standard in how we help people with different forms of metabolic dysfunction.

With more than 14 years of experience as an exercise physiologist and sports medicine adviser for many professional teams and elite athletes worldwide, Iñigo is considered one of the top and most experienced applied physiologists in the world. He has worked with many elite and world class athletes and teams in sports including track and field, running, cycling, triathlon, rowing and basketball, including six pro tour cycling teams, a Tour de France winner and 16 Grand Tours podium finishers.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
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We’re living in particularly stressful times, but keeping that stress in check is critical to overall health. A new study by researchers at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and The Ohio State University College of Medicine finds this is especially important for those with Type 2 diabetes and documents a clear link between the stress hormone cortisol and blood sugar levels.

“In healthy people, cortisol fluctuates naturally throughout the day, spiking in the morning and falling at night,” said Dr. Joshua J. Joseph, an endocrinologist and researcher at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center’s Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center who led the study. “But in participants with type 2 diabetes, cortisol profiles that were flatter throughout the day had higher glucose levels.”

These sustained levels of cortisol make it much more difficult to control blood sugar and manage the disease, which is why it’s so important for those with Type 2 diabetes to find ways to reduce stress. The study published online in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.

“We have begun a new trial to examine if mindfulness practices can lower blood sugar in those with Type 2 diabetes,” said Joseph. “But this isn’t the only effective form of stress relief. It’s important to find something you enjoy
and make it a part of your everyday routine.”

The relationship of cortisol with glucose levels was only observed in those with diabetes. However, Joseph and his team believe the stress hormone likely plays an important role in diabetes prevention and they continue to research the connection between cortisol and the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.