Did you know that around 10% to 15% of all people who have diabetes also experience depression?
If you have diabetes and are experiencing depressive symptoms, understanding the link between depression and blood sugar is critical for supporting your health.
How are diabetes and mental health connected?
When we think of diabetes, its physical signs and symptoms come to mind first – hypertension, vision problems, dental disease, nerve damage and high risk of wound infection, for example. So then, how does diabetes impact mental health?
Diabetes is characterized by blood glucose (sugar) levels that are too high. The brain uses glucose for all of its functions, which include memory, emotions, thinking and behavior. If we have too much glucose streaming through our body, our brain will be affected along with our skin, eyes, feet and every other anatomical system. Growing evidence indicates a potential relationship between mood and blood sugar.
Furthermore, it is well documented that that burden of living with chronic illness does more than hurt your body. It causes emotional stress, increases mental fatigue, lowers energy levels and causes muscle pain.
Ways diabetes impacts your mental health
There are several ways diabetes affects your mental health. Some include:
Depression. Depression and diabetes share some symptoms. Being tired, sleeping a lot and having difficulty concentrating can happen when you have either condition. Signs of depression include:
- Fatigue
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Sleeping too much
- Unintended weight loss or weight gain
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Suicidal thoughts
Diabetes Distress. Symptoms of low blood sugar can mimic anxiety’s symptoms or worsen existing stress and anxiety. A person who is managing their diabetes often faces a number of things to pay attention to on a daily basis, causing anxiety. As a diabetic, you may be worried about things like the long-terms side effects of living with the disease. Other symptoms of diabetes distress include:
- Feeling a lack of support from family members and/or friends
- Avoiding medical appointments or checking blood sugar levels
- Frequently angry or frustrated about the demands of managing diabetes
Other mental health problems associated with diabetes include:
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety
- Schizophrenia
How do I manage diabetes and mental health?
Many treatments exist for mental health conditions, and it’s possible to manage both diabetes and mental health at the same time. A few tips for managing both diabetes and mental health include:
- Consider a diabetes self-management education (SME) program – These programs focus on behavior and can help improve your overall quality of life.
- Develop an exercise program like walking, dancing or biking every day for 10 minutes and keep an eye on your blood sugar levels.
- Make sure you’re seeing an endocrinologist for your diabetes care. He or she is likely to have a deeper understanding of diabetes challenges than your regular doctor.
- Ask your doctor to refer you to a mental health counselor who specializes in chronic health conditions.
More to Read
- Suicide Prevention: How to Recognize Red Flags—and Where to Reach Out for Help
- How Exercise Can Boost Your Mood
- Feeling Depressed? Find Out How to Cope.
- 4 Steps To Relieve Stress in Your Daily Life
Listen to Podcasts about Mental Health
Learn from Pamela Llewellen, MSW, LCSW-C, MBA how to find a therapist or counselor who is a good fit for your and your needs. Listen to the podcast below, on your favorite streaming station or on our website.
Important ways to take part in suicide prevention is to understand the issues concerning suicide. Know the risk factors, identify the warning signs, learn how to help others in crisis and change the conversation around suicide. Jennifer Redding, LCSW-C, Executive Director of Behavioral Health at UM Upper Chesapeake Health, explains how to help prevent suicide. Listen to the podcast below, on your favorite streaming station or on our website.
