{
  "id": 10301386,
  "title": "Exam stress linked to raised blood sugar levels in non-diabetic medical students",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/exam-stress-linked-to-raised-blood-sugar-levels-in-non-diabetic",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-27T22:00:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-09-exam-stress-linked-blood-sugar.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New research presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Milan reveals that medical students undergoing exam stress experience elevated blood sugar levels. Although the average daily glucose levels remained within a healthy range and did not pose immediate danger, the findings suggest that prolonged examination stress may contribute to long-term metabolic health issues. Dr. Jan Broz, lead author from Charles University in Prague, warns that repeated stress could negatively impact students' metabolic health over time. The study monitored 22 healthy second-year medical students during a biochemistry exam, measuring their blood glucose levels every 15 minutes using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Results showed average glucose levels increased by 0.37 mmol/L on the exam day and decreased thereafter. The researchers suggest stress may elevate stress hormones like cortisol, which can stimulate the liver to release glucose. They advise students to manage stress through healthy eating, exercise, and stress reduction techniques to mitigate potential long-term health effects. However, the study's observational design, small sample size, and single-exam focus limit its ability to establish causality or long-term effects. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and better understand the impact of exam stress on medical students' health.",
  "summary": "Exam stress is associated with significant increases in blood sugar levels in medical students during exams and in the days leading up to them, according to new research being presented at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Milan, Italy (Sept. 28–Oct. 2). The findings highlight the measurable metabolic impact of acute psychological stress.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}