Adult Diabetes: Depression and Diabetes
Diabetes raises your risk
for depression.
Daily diabetes management
takes constant work and the stresses of this care can build until you feel sad,
alone or set apart from your friends and family. Additional stress can be put
on you if you face complications like nerve damage – you may feel like you're
losing control of your diabetes. Tension between you and your doctor may leave
you feeling frustrated.
Depression can block you
from keeping your diabetes under control. If you are depressed and have no
energy, chances are you will find such tasks as regular blood sugar testing too
much. Feelings of anxiety or sadness may cause you to lose focus on your
healthy diet, or you may not feel like eating at all. Any change in your diet
will affect your blood sugar levels.
It is very important that
you do not stop taking any of your medications without telling your doctor.
Before you start any treatment or medications, discuss with your primary care
provider about side effects, including how it might affect your blood sugar
levels. Make sure that all of your doctors will consult about your care when
needed. Many people do well with a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
