Diabetes and Depression

It's not surprising that people who have diabetes are twice as likely to suffer from depression as those who don't. Just think of all the responsibilities that go with the disease- the monitoring, the medications, and the constant self-control. John Anderson, M.D., president-elect of medicine and science at the American Diabetes Association says, "It's a 24 hour disease. Anything that puts that type of burden on a person can increase the risk for depression."
However, it goes both ways. People who suffer from depression are 60 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. A recent study from the University of Washington also found that those who have both conditions are twice as likely to develop dementia as people with just diabetes. Exact causes were undetermined, but experts guess that inflammation brought on by high levels of stress hormones may lead to insulin resistance, and in turn that damage to tiny blood vessels caused by high blood sugar might affect the brain.
So if you have diabetes and think you may be depressed, what should you do? Step one is to recognize the signs: feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks (including your diabetes care), appetite changes, unexplained ailments like back pain or headaches, and feeling sad or down.
If you're feeling depressed, be sure to see your health care provider immediately. They will give you a quick screening questionnaire and go through treatment options with you, which may including counseling, life-style modifications like exercise, or therapeutic drugs. Treating both conditions together can result in a better outcome for your blood sugar and mood.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
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