Implication of Diabetes –Depression
December 2, 2008 by rainier
Feeling down once in a while is normal. But some people feel a sadness that just won’t go away. Life seems hopeless. Feeling this way most of the day for two weeks or more is a sign of serious depression. At any given time, most people with diabetes do not have depression. But studies show that people with diabetes have a greater risk of depression than people without diabetes. There are no easy answers about why this is true.
The stress of daily diabetes management can build. You may feel alone or set apart from your friends and family because of all this extra work. You may also be experiencing symptoms of conditions associated with your diabetes that you didn’t know existed and are going undiagnosed. If you face diabetes complications such as nerve damage, or if you are having trouble keeping your blood glucose levels where you’d like, you may feel like you’re losing control of your diabetes. Even poor communication between you and your health care team may make you feel frustrated or sad.
Depression can become a vicious cycle. It can block good diabetes self-care. If you are depressed and have no energy, chances are you will find such tasks as regular blood glucose testing or exercise too much. If you feel anxious you may over-eat. You may not feel like eating at all.Of course, this will affect your blood glucose levels.Spotting depression is the first step. Getting help is the second.
