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What is the Relationship Between Diabetes and Depression?

Matt Brady
Matt Brady

Studies have established a causal link between diabetes and depression. People with diabetes are more likely to suffer from depression than those without diabetes; conversely, those with depression are at an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. While there's no exact science that says one will develop diabetes and depression together, it's understood that each condition can, by itself, cause lifestyle changes that increase the risk for developing the other condition.

The lifestyle changes that accompany being diagnosed with diabetes can be emotionally and mentally jarring, enough so to cause depression in certain people. Newly diagnosed diabetics must learn how to manage their conditions, a daily responsibility which can lead some people to feel overwhelmed and alienated. On top of that, many diabetics are forced to drastically change their diets. It isn't uncommon for people to have an emotional attachment to food, and a extreme change in diet can result in moodiness and depression.

Support groups may be very helpful for someone suffering from depression.
Support groups may be very helpful for someone suffering from depression.

Diabetes and depression can also work in reverse, with depression prompting lifestyle changes that can lead to type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes isn't necessarily developed by one's diet and level of physical activity; type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, often is. As it's common for depressed individuals to develop poor eating and exercise habits, it's also common for such individuals to develop diabetic symptoms.

Depression may prompt lifestye changes that may lead to diabetes.
Depression may prompt lifestye changes that may lead to diabetes.

The good news is that the causal relationship between diabetes and depression is preventable. Modern therapy and medication are quite capable of treating both conditions, but one must choose to seek help. One may have no control over developing type 1 diabetes, but with the right mindset and support group, he or she can avoid developing depression. Having the right support group is important, but there is, of course, also an element of self-help; someone who struggles with depression, for example, can make a conscious effort to avoid developing poor eating and exercise habits, which could trigger diabetes.

Most cause-and-effect relationships between depression and diabetes are preventable.
Most cause-and-effect relationships between depression and diabetes are preventable.

It's important for people dealing with one condition to know the symptoms of the other so that, in the event that both diabetes and depression develop, swift treatment can be sought to avoid unnecessary complications. Diabetics can watch for classic signs of depression, such as feelings of apathy; trouble sleeping; feeling unmotivated to accomplish normal activities, such as getting out of bed; suicidal thoughts; and feelings of melancholy and hopelessness.

A doctor may order tests if the patient exhibits signs of diabetes and depression or has high risk factors.
A doctor may order tests if the patient exhibits signs of diabetes and depression or has high risk factors.

Those who suffer from depression can likewise watch out for classic signs of diabetes. These can include extreme fatigue, insatiable hunger and unquenchable thirst, drastic weight loss, frequent urination, and blurry vision, among other signs. If one experiences any combination of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical help immediately. Diabetes is a perfectly manageable condition, but it can be deadly if left untreated.

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    • Support groups may be very helpful for someone suffering from depression.
      By: Nikki Zalewski
      Support groups may be very helpful for someone suffering from depression.
    • Depression may prompt lifestye changes that may lead to diabetes.
      By: ivolodina
      Depression may prompt lifestye changes that may lead to diabetes.
    • Most cause-and-effect relationships between depression and diabetes are preventable.
      By: zea_lenanet
      Most cause-and-effect relationships between depression and diabetes are preventable.
    • A doctor may order tests if the patient exhibits signs of diabetes and depression or has high risk factors.
      By: Monkey Business
      A doctor may order tests if the patient exhibits signs of diabetes and depression or has high risk factors.
    • Diabetic patients should carefully monitor their moods and be alert for signs of melancholy or depression.
      By: Boyarkina Marina
      Diabetic patients should carefully monitor their moods and be alert for signs of melancholy or depression.