Diabetes and Depression
Diabetes and Depression awareness
Diabetes has a mental health component.
- The rate of depression in people living with diabetes is much higher than in the general population
- Depression is not generally listed as one of the complications of diabetes.
Depression does greater damage to people’s overall health than long-term physical diseases and it is ranked as having the biggest disabling effect compared with any disease worldwide, research suggests. It is known to have more impact on general well-being than angina, arthritis, asthma and diabetes.*
It is most likely that most diabetics never discuss this aspect of their condition with a psychologist, psychiatrist or a counsellor either because they are not aware that they are depressed or because of the stigma attached to mental ill-health in general.
Most diabetics may not have access to any of these professionals for the treatment of depression, anxiety, stress or any of such health conditions.
Mild depressive feeling is a normal part of grieving and adaptation especially when newly diagnosed, but if the feeling persists for a long time or becomes so severe that it interferes with diabetic management, seek prompt and appropriate treatment.
Report based on 250,000 people in 60 countries in The Lancet.
Possible effects of depression on diabetes
- Lack of energy or motivation to maintain a good diabetic management
- Unhealthy appetite changes
- Effect on the course of medical treatment
- Stress of depression may lead to hyperglycaemia in diabetics
- May affect other conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, headache and skin diseases
- Treatment of depression and anxiety can lead to better prognosis and better quality of life.
- Effective depression treatment can improve diabetic management and control
- Decreased pleasure in usual activities or meeting people
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Lack of concentration
- Lack of motivation to access help or lethargy
- Changes in sexual functioning
- Unusual physical aches and pains
- Suicidal thoughts
ref. Watkins, Carol E. (MD):Diabetes, Depression and Stress, 05/10/2006.Diabetes UK publications
Suggested Coping Strategies
- Monitor blood glucose and emotional state
- Seek help when in doubt of the symptoms you are experiencing.
- Successful treatment of depression and diabetes involves a multi-professional approach e.g. diabetes specialists, psychotherapists, especially cognitive psychotherapists, spiritual approach to coping might help too.
- Examine your own lifestyle to discover sources of stress. Don’t give up. Set your own achievable targets.
- Make a list of things that give you concerns. The self-knowledge might help you to be more focused and discover that the problems are more manageable than you thought.
- If you are diabetic and have depression, it helps to discuss it with your family or any other person in your life who can support you.
- Join local Diabetes Support Groups
- Interventions should provide support and coping methods for self-management strategies that are culturally appropriate, therapeutic and effective.
Summary
- Diabetes can be an overwhelming task especially for the newly diagnosed.
- Diabetes can interfere with ability to self-manage other chronic illnesses
- Chances of becoming depressed increase as diabetes complications worsen.
- Underlying reasons for associating depression with diabetes is still not clear.
Further info
Diabetes and Depression. Double Trouble - Carrie Washburn May 2007 (Pdf)>>
Oregon Diabetes Prevention
Health Promotion and CD Prevention Programme,
Oregon DHS< Public Health Division,