Diabetes and Depression: the Deadly Link

Diabetes can impact how the body uses insulin and regulates blood sugar. Diabetes of any kind, whether type 1 or type 2, increases the risk of depression, and depression increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Depression causes low mood, loss of interest, and impairments in daily living. Depression affects 17.2% of persons with diabetes, although evidence indicates it commonly goes undetected and untreated.

The link between diabetes and depression

Both diseases most likely have similar biological and behavioural root causes.

It is known that the stress of managing chronic health disorders like diabetes can worsen depressive symptoms.

Diabetes that is not managed correctly can also cause other health issues, such as hearing loss, visual problems, and nerve damage, which can worsen depression.

This relationship goes both ways. Depression may also affect the development of diabetes. Depression can result in harmful behaviours such as poor eating habits and inactivity, which increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Research, however, indicates that characteristics like antidepressant use or body weight cannot fully account for this risk. The inability to concentrate, lack of energy, depressed mood, and irritability are some examples of depression symptoms that can make dealing with and controlling diabetes more difficult.

Roots of depression and diabetes

Risk factors that raise the likelihood that someone will develop depression and diabetes:

  • Being an alcoholic
  • Having a family history of either condition
  • Being overweight
  • Having coronary artery disease
  • Having hypertension
  • Experiencing inflammation
  • Leading an inactive lifestyle
  • Having poor eating habits

According to a 2018 analysis, more people are now suffering from diabetes and depression together than ever. And this trend is likely to accelerate.

Diabetes complications and depression

Unfortunately, outcomes for both illnesses are generally worse in persons with diabetes and depression. This includes a lower quality of life, difficulty controlling diabetes, increased health issues, and a shorter life span.

Diabetes can worsen several health issues, such as heart disease, nerve damage, and renal problems. Moreover, it may result in issues with oral, hearing, eyesight, hearing, and mental health.

Diabetes issues may become worse due to depression. Those who are depressed frequently battle with feeling unmotivated and may find it challenging to muster the motivation to practice self-care. This may result in bad lifestyle choices that make it more challenging to treat and maintain diabetes.

Both disorders may have complications, such as:

  • Increased blood sugar levels: According to one study, those who have type 2 diabetes and depression concurrently have blood sugar levels that are greater than those who do not.
  • Increased chance of cardiovascular issues: Studies have shown that those with diabetes and depression have an 82% higher chance of experiencing a heart attack than those without these disorders.
  • Increased risk for additional problems: Research has shown that individuals with diabetes who exhibit signs of depression are more likely to experience other complications.
  • Increased risk of dementia when a person has both diabetes and depression.

It is crucial to consult your doctor if you exhibit diabetes or depressive symptoms.

Diagnosing diabetes and depression

Blood glucose levels are checked to diagnose diabetes. To help with diagnosis, your doctor might perform an oral glucose tolerance test, an A1c test, random plasma glucose testing, fasting plasma glucose tests, or random plasma glucose tests.

The symptoms of depression and how they affect a person’s capacity to function to make the diagnosis are evaluated. A psychologist or psychiatrist will discuss your medical history, family history, and current symptoms. To help rule out other diseases that can aggravate the symptoms of depression, you might also get a medical examination and lab tests.

Mental health specialists use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) as a resource to identify mental illnesses, including depression.

Diabetes and depression treatment

Although diabetes is usually treated aggressively, research demonstrates that mental illnesses like depression frequently go untreated.

Medication, psychotherapy, or combining the two approaches are commonly used to treat depression. Drugs, blood sugar monitoring, and lifestyle changes are typically used to control diabetes.

Insulin and metformin are two drugs that may be administered to regulate blood sugar. The pancreas secretes the hormone insulin, which is necessary for glucose uptake. Metformin is a medication that decreases the amount of glucose the liver produces, lowers the amount of sugar the intestines absorb, and increases insulin sensitivity.

Psychotherapy

The treatment of depression can also benefit from various forms of psychotherapy. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) are standard forms of therapy.

Combining psychotherapy intervention with diabetic education can significantly improve depression symptoms and glycemic control in patients with diabetes and depression.

Managing both diabetes and depression

Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and regular physical activity can help with both diseases.

With both diabetes and depression, lifestyle modifications are frequently essential components of self-care and treatment.

Both conditions can be improved with the following methods:

  • Frequent physical activity Exercise helps ease the symptoms of depression, and staying active can help people with diabetes better control their blood sugar levels.
  • Dietary modifications: If you have diabetes, your doctor may advise making dietary modifications to help you maintain your blood sugar levels. You might be told to avoid some foods and monitor your carbohydrate intake to prevent blood glucose rises. Several dietary adjustments you make, such as reducing sugar intake, may also help treat depression-related symptoms.
  • Give up smoking: Smoking is associated with a higher risk of diabetes and depression. Thus, quitting can improve your health.

Getting help for both problems is crucial if you have diabetes and depression. Treatment for depression and diabetes together can help you better manage both disorders and enhance your quality of life.

Message From Hope Trust

Depression with diabetes can be challenging, but support and treatment can help immensely. You can control both illnesses and have a fulfilling life with the correct treatment.

Don’t be reluctant to get treatment if you need it to manage your diabetes and depression. Ask your physician or mental health professional for advice.