By JoBeth Augustyniak, DO Board-Certified Family Medicine (AOBFP) Published May 15, 2026 · Medically reviewed by JoBeth Augustyniak, DO on May 15, 2026 About the author → Stress is often dismissed as something that only affects your mood or mental state. Yet, for many women managing chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension, stress plays a much bigger role. It can influence blood pressure, blood sugar, sleep, appetite, and energy levels. These factors are crucial when tr