The Role of Stress Hormones
All three of these situations - caffeine intake, emotional stress, and exposure to cold, can activate your sympathetic nervous system (the “fight or flight” response).
When this happens, your body releases stress hormones like:
Cortisol
Adrenaline (epinephrine)
Norepinephrine
These hormones tell your liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream for quick energy, preparing your body to “take action”, even if you’re just sitting at your desk.
In Summary
A temporary glucose rise after coffee, stress, or cold exposure is a normal physiological response, not a sign of poor glucose control. Your body is simply releasing stored energy under the influence of stress hormones, and these short-term spikes can actually be part of a healthy, adaptable metabolism.