Diabetes and depression are among the most common and severe chronic conditions that can greatly affect a person’s life. In addition to the danger, the two conditions share a close and complex link. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the chances of being diagnosed with depression increase 2-3 fold increase among diabetics of those who do not have it. In addition, people with depression are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Managing diabetes symptoms depends greatly on an individual’s ability to monitor their daily life. Being depressed makes these patients lethargic and less compliant with these self-care responsibilities, leading to long-term health complications and reduced quality of life. This is why it is essential for people to learn about the relationship between diabetes and depression and find professional help at the right time to deal with their condition effectively.
On that note, let’s dig deeper into the link between diabetes and depression.
How is diabetes related to depression?
Diabetes is a difficult and challenging condition that severely affects a person’s quality of life. Many people feel overwhelmed while dealing with the daily demands and rigorous routine of life with diabetes. This leaves people feeling stressed, which eventually leads to depression.
On the other hand, depression can cloud a person’s judgment and interfere with their daily functioning. According to his research National Library of MedicineDepression causes an increase in the hormone cortisol. This increase interferes with the body’s ability to process blood sugar, or glucose. In this way, a person with depression and an unhealthy lifestyle is more likely to develop diabetes.
Diabetes and depression both result from a similar set of risk factors. These include:
- obesity,
- family history,
- lethargy
- high blood pressure, etc.
Read more: Explain the most important categories of anger management.
Are there any different signs and symptoms for people with depression and diabetes?
Dealing with a chronic condition such as diabetes is difficult and stressful for most people. If you have diabetes and you’re feeling sad or depressed, and those feelings don’t seem to abate, you may have depression. Common symptoms include:
- You don’t find happiness in activities you previously enjoyed,
- sleeping too little or too much,
- difficulty concentrating,
- feeling tired and lethargic,
- constant feeling of stress or anxiety,
- I feel lonely,
- having suicidal thoughts, or
- hurt yourself.
In addition, poor management of diabetes can also cause symptoms similar to those of depression. If your blood sugar level is too high or low, you may feel anxious, lethargic, or restless.
Treatment options
There are many treatment options available to treat both depression and diabetes. These include medication, psychotherapy, combination therapy, and lifestyle changes. Besides, stress management techniques have also played an essential role in the patient’s well-being.
Read more: Best online therapy platforms.
conclusion:
Depression tends to occur with diabetes more frequently. It can be a risk factor or a complication of diabetes symptoms. In any case, recognizing the symptoms of depression with diabetes is the first step towards getting the right help.
Now that you know the connection between depression and diabetes, let’s take you a step further. Did you know that obesity and poor mental health are closely linked? Read on to learn more about their connection over here.
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