Managing Mental Health While Managing Diabetes

Depression, stress, and other mental health conditions can make managing diabetes even more difficult.

If you or someone you love has type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, you know all too well just how challenging it can be to manage. Constantly tracking blood sugar (also called blood glucose) levels, planning meals, counting carbs, remembering to take medicine, staying active…It’s a lot to manage!

Then there’s the added stress of worrying about healthcare costs, the risk of complications, the guilt of worrying family and friends. It can be overwhelming—and it’s not uncommon. There’s even a name for it:
diabetes distress. The result: people with diabetes often have mental health issues.

In fact, nearly half of Americans living with diabetes experience mental health challenges, such as stress and depression. Mental health issues can increase the difficulty of managing diabetes and preventing complications, which adds to the stress.

That’s why it is so important that people with diabetes understand how it can affect their mental health.

High and Low Blood Sugar Levels Can Affect You Mentally and Physically

If you have low blood sugar levels, you may experience:

• Feeling confused or irritated
• Having difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Being hungry
• Feeling shaky or sweaty

• Feeling tired
• Having low energy
• Having difficulty thinking clearly and quickly
• Feeling nervous

Dealing with Depression

Studies show that people with diabetes are 2 to 3 times more likely to have depression. And people with type 2 diabetes and depression often have higher blood sugar levels. Adolescents with type 1 diabetes have five times the rate of depression than those who don’t.

Depression can cause you to feel sad or hopeless. It can affect how you function at work and home—and how well you manage your diabetes. Inadequate management of diabetes increases your risk for such
complications as kidney disease, heart disease, eye disease, stroke, and nerve damage.

Diabetes and depression can also place emotional strains on your relationships and personal life.

Symptoms of Depression

• Losing interest in favorite activities
• Overeating or not wanting to eat at all
• Feeling tired and lethargic
• Not being able to sleep or sleeping too much
• Having trouble concentrating or making decisions
• Feeling worthless, irritable, isolated, or guilty
• Suicidal thoughts

• Body aches
• Irritability
• Clinginess
• Refusing to go to school
• Doing poorly in school

• Feeling misunderstood
• Being overly sensitive
• Irritability and anger
• Avoiding social activities
• Poor performance in school
• Using recreational drugs or alcohol

Treating Depression

It’s important to treat depression. If you don’t, it can get worse. 

Therapy, medicine, and lifestyle changes can be very effective to help treat depression. Here are some important tips to remember:

• Medication: Talk to your doctor about the many types of antidepressant medications used to relieve symptoms of depression or anxiety.
• Psychotherapy (talk therapy): Several forms are available, such as cognitive behavior therapy and interpersonal therapy, that can help you recognize triggers and learn valuable problem-solving skills. Again, talk to your doctor about the best therapy for you.
• Lifestyle changes: Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, maintain a regular sleep schedule, and rely on family and friends for support.
  
  

Dealing with Stress and Anxiety

However, for people with diabetes, stress and anxiety can make it harder to stick with a diabetes care plan, increasing the risk for complications. Stress hormones can also make blood sugar levels rise or fall unpredictably.

Anxiety—feeling worried and afraid—is one way your body reacts to stress. People with diabetes are 20% more likely to experience anxiety than those who don’t have diabetes.

Treating Stress and Anxiety

Studies show that therapy and medicine help lower your stress and anxiety. Here are some other things you can do to help:

• Talk to a friend
• Make healthy food choices
• Get enough sleep
• Stay active
• Meditate or do yoga
• Limit or refrain from alcohol and caffeine

The Sooner You Seek Help, The Better

Living with diabetes and mental health issues such as depression, stress, and anxiety can be overwhelming.

The good news: you are not alone—help is available! If you’re worried about your mental health, talk to your doctor, who can recommend a treatment for you.

The sooner you get help, the sooner you will start feeling better!