People with depression are also diagnosed with diabetes. Research shows that at least 10-15% of people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes develop depression, which is potentially dangerous.
Most depressed patients have fatigue from diabetes. This percentage is even higher at 40% in those individuals struggling with their psychological well-being and also suffering from diabetic mellitus.
The probability of developing depression increases due to diabetes for both patients having either type 1 or type 2. However, depression raises the risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Although difficult, it is possible to have both treated together.
It is advisable to find a physician who has been trained in the management of diabetes as well as understands how crucial mental wellness is when managing the disease. Failing to treat depression effectively may lead into depressive disorders that may jeopardize the mental well-being of the patient and make his or her condition worsen.
What is the Link Between Depression and Diabetes?
Yes, depression is medically associated with diabetes and an average of 12.5% of individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes also have depression. Prevalence of depression in diabetics can be as high as three times more for type 1 and twice for type 2 than the general population worldwide.
According to the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), diabetes affects moods, which include several symptoms that considerably impact on one’s functioning. Similarly, emotions, cognition, and behaviors are hampered by severe depression. These illnesses typically occur in 40% of people living with type I or 2 diabetes.
This relationship between depression and diabetes is bidirectional. Those having diabetes are at a higher risk of going into depression. This could be due to the stress that comes with coping with a chronic ailment. On the other hand, people who suffer from depression may be at an increased danger of developing type 2 diabetes. It’s so easy to attribute to the lifestyle choices and impact of depression on self-care.
There are also shared biological factors and inflammation contributing to this complex connection. Managing both physical health and mental health effectively requires addressing them simultaneously when treating patients suffering from diabetes or depression.
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What are the Impacts of Diabetes on Mental Health?
Intolerable control
Diabetes has a significant effect on mental health, which results in an intricate relationship between emotional and physical wellbeing. It is difficult to manage diabetes as it calls for continuous attention, thus affecting the mental strength and heightening stress. This includes unrelenting monitoring of blood glucose levels, medication compliance, and food restrictions that can place an ongoing psychological burden.
These daily challenges of managing diabetes frequently result in emotional distress, anxiety and sometimes depression. Consequently, there is apprehension about complications and constant self-care that contributes to the worsening mental well-being. A sense of frustration, isolation and being overwhelmed by their condition may be experienced by people with diabetes.
Fluctuating blood sugar levels
Also, these unstable glucose levels make the aforementioned mental illnesses worse. This is primarily because they cause mood swings and decline in cognitive function. Symptoms of diabetes such as fatigue or sleep disturbances can contribute to overall poor feelings. The chronicity of the disease magnifies its psychological impact because patients have to live with it throughout their lives.
Societal misconceptions
Social interactions can also be affected, leading to shame and embarrassment due to diabetes-related stigma. Coping with societal misunderstandings about the disease becomes a burden on one’s psychological health.
Financial implications
Again, the financial implications of managing diabetes which include medication costs and regular medicals can create anxiety problems. The consequences on mental health for people with diabetes are not limited to themselves but their families as well. Making an effective mental health support is important in dealing with the issues arising from diabetes hence necessitating the need for holistic care.
Do People With Diabetes and Depression Have the Same Symptoms?
The symptoms of depression are similar among people with diabetes and those without it. But managing long-term illness raises additional barriers which can worsen these symptoms. Both groups may experience mood changes, sleep problems, and cognitive impairment.
Here are the common symptoms associated with both conditions:
- Mood changes: Individuals living with diabetes might feel sad all the time or empty, which affects their daily living.
- Sleep disturbances: Depression disrupts sleep patterns leading to issues with falling asleep and staying asleep.
- Appetite and weight changes: A change in appetite is one of the common signs of depression; it can lead to weight loss or gain.
- Fatigue and low energy: Depression leads to constant tiredness and low energy that affect general motivation and engagement.
- Difficulty concentrating: Depression often causes lack of concentration for anyone battling with depression, making it hard for them to do a task or even make a decision.
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness: Most times people with depression feel so much guilt leading to emotional distress as well as worthlessness.
- Physical aches and pains: Unexplained aches and pains could be physical signs of depression.
- Loss of interest in activities: A depressed person no longer enjoys what he or she once loved resulting in social isolation.
- Suicidal thoughts: When depression gets to the extreme, it may result into suicidal thoughts, thus making it necessary for professionals to intervene immediately.
- Anxiety: Anxiety can accompany depression, intensifying the existing worry and creating a higher sense of unease.
- Social withdrawal: Such persons with depression usually avoid people since they may also opt to isolate themselves from their friends and families.
- Difficulty coping with stress: Depression makes it difficult for one to cope with stress that arises when managing diabetes properly.
- Cognitive impairment: It affects cognitive function such that all mental processes, including decision-making, are slower than normal.
- Increased risk of complications: Untreated depression among diabetics has been associated with increased rates of complications thereby leading to poor health outcomes.
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Prevention of Depression With Diabetes
Depression existing with diabetes may worsen the situation as it affects key decision-making aspects. People with depression struggle with decision-making and may avoid treatment. To prevent depression with diabetes, it is essential that a comprehensive treatment plan be set up from the start. A whole treatment plan may entail visiting an endocrinologist regularly, mental health care, support groups and focus on health.
Some other preventive strategies are:
- Regular exercise: Participating in physical activities regularly results in release of endorphin reducing chances of depression among those living with diabetes.
- Nutritious diet: Consuming a healthy diet enhances overall wellness affecting both physical well-being and mental health. This is why we recommend Nivel Mor, a dietary supplement for controlling blood sugar.
- Stress management: Patients should adopt stress relieving methods like meditation or mindfulness to minimize the effects of ongoing stress.
- Regular sleep patterns: Consistent sleep patterns build better mental health and lessen the chances of getting depressed.
- Social support: Social support is important in preventing loneliness and depression arising from loneliness.
- Regular check-ups: During routine medical examinations, one can detect early enough and control their physical condition together with their mental status.
- Psychological counseling: Seeking psychological counseling can provide coping strategies and emotional support for dealing with the challenges of diabetes.
