Ask The Expert
Coping

According to the American Diabetes Association, depression is at least twice as common in people with diabetes as compared to the general public for a number of reasons, some of which are still unknown. It is no surprise that having diabetes could be stressful, since it is not easy to cope with this condition on a daily basis. If you feel discouraged and depressed, you might lose your energy to do the things necessary to take care of your diabetes, such as following a meal plan, exercising regularly, and monitoring your blood glucose. Not following your treatment plan can make your diabetes get out of control. Naturally, when blood glucose is high, you don't have the normal amount of energy available, so the physical effects of poorly controlled diabetes can also take its toll on you emotionally. In addition, keep in mind that stress can temporarily raise blood glucose.

Which Came First?

Currently there are ongoing debates in the medical community regarding: “Does diabetes lead to depression, or does depression result in poor diabetes control, and even further, does depression cause diabetes?” So far, the studies confirm that diabetes and depression are related, but they have not revealed a cause or direction of the association. What is known is that treating depression can help both your mood and your diabetes control.

Two Important Steps

It is important to confirm depression and get help for depression. Common symptoms of depression include: loss of interest in your usual activities, loss of pleasure, trouble sleeping, waking up in the middle of the night and being unable to get back to sleep, changes in appetite, trouble concentrating, loss of energy, nervousness, guilt and morning sadness.

Ways of Dealing with Depression

Many people benefit from counseling and/or antidepressant medication. Others do fine by getting their diabetes in better control, involving their family and friends for support, and perhaps joining a diabetes support group. Regardless, don’t wait to get help. Resolving this problem can help get you back in good diabetes control and also improve your overall well-being and quality of life.

Please don’t keep your depressed feelings to yourself. Sometimes there may be a physical cause as well. It is very important that you first talk this over with your doctor who can evaluate the situation and recommend the best treatment for you.