Payal Hora
We all go through emotional lows from time to time, and this emotional rollercoaster is a part of everyone’s life. But when the periods of sadness and anxiety become prolonged, it might indicate that you are dealing with depression.
Research suggests that the chances of being diagnosed with depression is 2-3 times higher in people with diabetes mellitus. Almost 40% of the people have agreed that their mental peace took a toll when they were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The link between both is still unclear and a topic of deep research till date, but some linkages have been surely identified between diabetes and depression. Some researchers suggest that the metabolic effect can lead to depression and depressed people are as well screened for diabetes.
Research Insights:
– As mentioned earlier the relation between depression and diabetes need to be researched in-depth, but there’s no doubt that there is some link between both ailments.
– There is evidence that the prevalence of depression is on a moderately higher side in prediabetic patients and in undiagnosed diabetic patients.
– The prevalence rates of depression could be up to three times higher in patients with type 1 diabetes and twice as high in people with type 2 diabetes.
– Anxiety appears in 40% of the patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes. The presence of depression and anxiety in diabetic patients worsens the prognosis of diabetes, increases the non-compliance to medical treatment, decreases the quality of life, and increases mortality
– On the other hand, depression may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes with 60%
Symptoms of Depression in Diabetic people.
Post diagnosis of diabetes, people have a hard time coping up with the treatment of this ailment, physically as well as mentally and emotionally. If you feel that the gloominess has lasted for more than a few weeks, then there are high chances that you are depressed.
The common symptoms include:
1. Suicidal/self-harming thoughts
2. Poor lifestyle decisions like binge eating, smoking, alcohol dependence.
3. Sleeping too much or too less
4. Not finding pleasure in doing things that once you enjoyed doing
5. Feeling lonely or isolated
6. Unexplained laziness
7. Morning lethargy
8. The feeling of “good for nothing.”
9. Mismanagement of diabetes or not concentrating on your health.
Being ignorant towards Diabetes can aggravate depression, due to the hormonal imbalance it will create due to negligence. For instance, the rise or fall in blood sugar levels ,the patient would experience heightened anxiety and restlessness.
Low blood sugar levels can lead to symptoms similar to anxiety and fatigue. If you are experiencing these symptoms, then one should consult their doctor, as they can analyze how your symptoms might be affecting diabetes or vice versa, and collaboratively you can plan for routines and treatment that will suit you better.
Causes of Depression in Diabetic people:
Managing diabetes, specifically type 2 diabetes can be overwhelming, as it is a chronic disease and requires daily treatment. This routine can lead to depression and the risk factors and causes for both diabetes and depression are similar, such as obesity, family history of diabetes and/or depression, hypertension, inactivity, cardiac disorders.
It is likely to happen that your depression is making it more difficult for you to manage your diabetes, as it affects your ability and willingness to heal and take care of yourself.
How do we diagnose Depression in Diabetic patients?
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms then you should consult your endocrinologist, as they have a deeper understanding of your diabetic condition and the symptoms related to it.
They will help you determine if your condition is due to negligence towards Diabetes, or depression or is related to any other health concern.
– Examination of Medical Profile: Firstly, to begin with, the diagnosis the doctor will assess your medical profile to determine if there has been any family history related to either of the ailments.
– Psychological Evaluation : After the medical profile assessment, the doctor will go for a psychological evaluation, to analyze your thoughts, emotions, triggers, etc.
– Physical Examination: In some cases, the doctors might even take your blood test to rule out the possibilities of any other undiagnosed medical condition.
Treating Depression and Diabetes together:
Depression is typically treated through a combination of medication and therapy. Certain lifestyle changes may also help relieve your symptoms and promote overall wellness.
1. Medication
Medications, especially anti-depressants like Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) medications are most commonly prescribed to relieve depression, anxiety and restlessness. It is advisable to discuss of any potential side effects of these antidepressants and in case your conditions worsen or don’t improve, consult your doctor so that they can recommend a different combination of the medicines.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy can be effective in managing your depression. Your doctor can help you determine which type of psychotherapy should you go for as there are various therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapies.
Psychotherapy can effectively help us achieve the goals to
– Identify and reduce potential emotional and mental triggers
– Replace unhealthy and self-harming behavior
– Develop a nurturing and healthy relationship with yourself and others.
– Promote physical and mental activity and health.
If your depression is severe, your doctor may suggest you participate in diabetes or
depression self-management programs
3. Lifestyle changes
Regular physical activity has proven effects on human brain and it can help relieve your symptoms by boosting the “feel good” chemicals in your brain such as serotonin and endorphins. Additionally, this activity triggers the growth of new brain cells in the same manner as antidepressant medications.
Physical exercise can also aid diabetes management by decreasing your weight and blood sugar levels and increasing your energy and stamina.
Other lifestyle changes include:
– Eating a balanced and healthy diet.
– Regular sleep schedule
– Stress management
– Being in the company of friends and family.
Diabetes distress can be managed by joining diabetes support groups, which will enable you to share your thoughts and concerns with people going through the same situation. You don’t have to manage all at once, but it is recommended you set short term goals for yourself so that the process of treatment doesn’t overwhelm you. One needs to make peace with the fact that depression with diabetes is common and can be treated with medication as well as the patients will power.
great information gathered … amazing work done 🙂