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Diabetes and Depression

Depression is a serious medical condition that can
affect your life tremendously.  Depression affects
your thoughts, feelings, moods and the ability to
function properly on a daily basis.  People with
depression experience long periods of feeling sad,
hopeless and sometimes even suicidal.  
Serious depression must be treated immediately by
a health care professional.

Several studies suggest that diabetes doubles the risk of depression.  The
complications that come with diabetes and the challenges of managing the disease on
a daily basis can put a lot of stress on the person.  They may feel lonely or far from
family and friends, and sometimes they may even feel they are loosing control of
their diabetes, and their lives.

Depression in diabetes can also cause diabetes related complications to worsen.  The
person that is depressed may not have enough energy and desire to keep up with
their sugar testing, sugar control and a healthy diet.  Depression can seriously affect
good diabetes management if not treated properly.

Symptoms of Depression

Symptoms of depression can include:

Feeling sad, anxious or empty inside

Feeling hopeless and pessimistic about the future

Loosing interest in hobbies, interests or pleasures that were once enjoyed, including
sex

Loss of energy, feeling tired all the time

Having difficulty concentrating as other thoughts or feelings get in the way.

Having trouble remembering

Having trouble sleeping.  Not being able to fall asleep, waking up several times during
the night or oversleeping.

Changes in appetite.  Eating too much or not enough, causing weight gain or loss.

Suicidal thoughts.  

Causes of Depression

Causes of depression in diabetes other than the ones that result from the stress of
managing the disease are currently being researched.  Depression is a result of
abnormal brain function that can be partially accredited to a person’s genetics and
their life history.  Other trigger factors can include difficult life events, side effects
of some medications, alcohol or drug abuse and thyroid problems.

Treating Depression

Depression treatment options should be handled by a healthcare professional and
chosen based on the condition and circumstances of the patient.  There are two main
types of depression treatment:  psychotherapy and antidepressant medication.

Depression psychotherapy, or “talk” therapy can help the patient look at the
problems that are causing the depression, and find ways to deal with them and
overcome the challenges.  Depending on the person’s condition, psychotherapy may
be a long term or short term treatment.

If antidepressant medication is advised, talk to a psychiatrist about your options and
the depression medication that is right for you and your condition.  Discuss the side
effects associated with it, and how it may affect blood sugar levels.  Research
shows that usually antidepressant medication and depression psychotherapy both
have positive mood and glycemic control effects.

If you think you have depression, don’t wait to get help.  Diabetes can put a lot of
stress in your daily life that can lead to depression, but remember, you can overcome
the challenge.  Take control of your diabetes and your life.

Click here to learn more about depression and diabetes
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diabetes and the stress of managing it on a daily basis can lead to depression.
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