Among the complications associated with diabetes, mental health issues are often the most overlooked ones. Mental health problems can lead to patients compromising their diabetes self-management and increase the risk of serious complications.
Today, we will examine the connection between mental health and diabetes to help you better care for your emotional well-being.
Depression Rates in Diabetes Patients
Diabetes self-management can be demanding, and there is no opportunity to take a break. The rates of depression are two to three times higher among individuals with diabetes across the lifespan.
Depression is higher among youth with type 1 diabetes compared to those without the disease. Despite these statistics, only about one-third of patients with diabetes and mental health problems get a diagnosis and treatment for their mental health issues.
Understanding the Connection Between Diabetes and Depression
Diabetes and depression are linked. People with diabetes have an increased risk of the onset of depression. Conversely, having depression boosts your risk for the onset of diabetes.
Research suggests that chronic stress, which is common in those with diabetes, activates the body’s stress response systems. It increases cortisol levels and inflammation. Elevated levels of these markers can interact with the pancreas and brain, affecting how the body manages blood sugar and mood.
On the other hand, people with depression tend to have heightened glucose levels. This imbalance can contribute to insulin resistance and diabetes.
Further studies are underway to find out more about the link between the demands of diabetes self-management and depression, as well as diabetes distress. Researchers are also exploring the possible metabolic effects of diabetes on brain function.
Mental Health Risks Beyond Depression
The mental effects associated with diabetes are not limited to depression. Patients may experience other mental health disorders. Here are the additional psychological conditions that may accompany diabetes.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It causes:
- Flashbacks of the trauma
- Emotional numbness or irritability
- Nightmares and sleeping difficulties
- Feelings of paranoia or hypervigilance
For people managing diabetes with insulin supplies, PTSD can stem from stressful health crises, hospitalizations, or fear related to diabetes care.
The chronic stress of these experiences can activate the body’s stress response and cause ongoing anxiety. Over time, this persistent stress can interfere with blood sugar regulation and make diabetes management more challenging.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is characterized by sudden, intense episodes of fear that often come unexpectedly. These panic episodes have symptoms like:
- Chest pain
- Racing heart
- Sweating and chills
- Shortness of breath
- Trembling or dizziness
- Feeling of impending doom
For individuals with diabetes, the physical sensations of a panic attack often mimic hypoglycemia symptoms (dizziness and rapid heartbeat).
This overlap can lead to confusion and over-treatment of low blood sugar with diabetic supplies. Chronic anxiety about these episodes may also increase stress hormones and worsen overall control over diabetes management.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves persistent and excessive worry about everyday life, health, or future events that are difficult to control. Symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbances
- Constant nervousness
- Difficulty concentrating
In people with diabetes, GAD can heighten concerns about blood sugar control and potential health complications.
This ongoing worry will elevate cortisol levels and impair insulin sensitivity. Additionally, anxiety may cause behaviours like overeating or neglecting self-care routines, which further complicate diabetes management.
Distinguishing Anxiety From Hypoglycemia
As mentioned, anxiety symptoms can overlap with the symptoms of hypoglycemia. You should try to test your blood sugar with diabetes testing kits, but always treat the symptoms of low blood sugar to rule it out.
Some patients may over-treat themselves for hypoglycemia, leading to blood sugar fluctuations with high numbers and weight gain. Knowing the difference between anxiety and hypoglycemia is very helpful to improve diabetes control.
Diabetes and Eating Disorders
Young women with type 1 diabetes have twice the risk of developing an eating disorder compared to those without diabetes. Eating disorders can lead to out-of-control blood sugar numbers, serious diabetic complications, and worsening disease. Eating disorders tend to persist and grow over time. They need to be treated professionally and as soon as diagnosed.
The challenges of diabetes self-management may take a psychological toll on patients. Talk to your doctor about routine screening for psychological problems. Mental health screenings can help detect problems, ensuring that patients receive a timely diagnosis and treatment.
If you feel fatigued or disinterested in work or socialization, talk to your doctor about these feelings. Other symptoms to report to your doctor include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Binge eating
- Extreme fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling isolated
- Lack of motivation
- Sleeping too much
- Feeling inadequate
- Feeling sad in the morning
Treatment Options for Diabetes-Related Mental Health Disorders
Treatments for mental health issues may include the following:
- Counseling: Professional counseling provides emotional support and strategies to help you cope with diabetes-related stress.
- Support groups: Joining support groups connects you with other patients facing similar challenges. You can share experiences, encouragement, and practical advice.
- Medications: Prescription medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help balance mood and reduce symptoms of mental health conditions.
Consult your doctor about side effects and possible contraindications of each approach before making a decision.
The Importance of Early Treatment
Addressing mental health concerns promptly has a direct effect on your physical well-being and diabetes control. Depression can make it more difficult to manage diabetes successfully.
Early identification and treatment of mental health concerns can support better blood sugar management and even lower the risk of cardiovascular issues. As studies show, people with concurrent depression and diabetes are over 50 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.
Self-Care Strategies to Improve Mental Well-being
Be proactive to improve your mood. Make diabetes self-management easier by doing the following:
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
- Join a support group for people with diabetes.
- Try to stay away from or limit caffeine and alcohol.
- Enlist the support of family, friends, and co-workers.
- Learn deep breathing techniques or practice meditation.
- Monitor your blood sugar levels and report the results to your doctor.
- Learn more about diabetes by working with a diabetes nurse educator.
- Keep essential supplies on hand, such as lancets, insulin syringes, and medication.
- Eat a well-balanced diet that includes lean meat and fish, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and vegetables and fruit.
Ask for a referral to a therapist or counselor if you are still feeling overwhelmed by your diabetes.
Stay Active, Feel Better
Exercising at least 30 minutes a day and 5 times a week can boost your mood and lessen symptoms of depression. Endorphins are released during exercise and can help uplift your mood.
Other health benefits of exercise may include:
- Weight loss
- Increase in energy
- Lowering blood sugar levels
You can choose any type of exercise you enjoy, whether it’s swimming, cycling, strength training, or just walking. This approach will make it easier to stay consistent and move daily.
Your Mental Health Matters
If you have diabetes and mental health concerns, you are not alone. Share your symptoms with your doctor and reach out for help. The first step toward feeling better is to identify your problems and find ways to get past them.
At ADW Diabetes, we are here to make your daily routine less overwhelming and help you avoid these mental health problems altogether.
Our extensive selection of high-quality discount diabetic supplies brings peace of mind to anyone concerned about managing their condition. With fast delivery, easy returns, and superior customer service, we ensure you get what you need, when you need it.
Explore our diabetic supplies today and join our Diabetic Coverage® Auto-Ship Program for convenient refills. Don’t forget to download the ADW Diabetes App for secure shopping on the go!
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