Diabetes and Mental Health: Managing the Relationship
It is likely that if you have diabetes or know someone who does, you are familiar with the mental and emotional difficulties that can arise when trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle while dealing with diabetes.
From the time of diagnosis to the implementation of a management strategy and the adjustment to life with diabetes, it is critical to consider all areas of your health and well-being.
Diabetes, which affects more than 1.7 million Australians, is one of the fastest rising chronic diseases in the country. Depression and anxiety problems are widespread among diabetics, but they can also affect their families and friends who provide care for them..
When it comes to mental health problems, one in every five Australians will experience them at some point in their lives. However, persons with diabetes are particularly sensitive to mental health conditions such as sadness and anxiety.
According to research, people with diabetes have a twofold increased risk of depression compared to people who do not have diabetes. If the consequences of diabetes worsen, the likelihood of acquiring depression increases as well.
This year's National Diabetes Week will take place from July 12 to July 18, with the goal of raising awareness and educating people about the mental and emotional consequences of having diabetes.
When you have diabetes, you have mental and emotional challenges.
Research conducted by Sane Australia found that persons living with diabetes frequently report feeling irritated and overwhelmed, as well as experiencing significant feelings of rage, fear, and guilt.
Food restriction, blood glucose monitoring, and insulin administration are all aspects of managing the illness that can be difficult to master, and keeping motivated to make necessary changes can be emotionally taxing.
So the continual worry and pressure of having diabetes can result in mental health problems such as diabetes misery, depression and anxiety as well as eating disorders.
Support and treatments that take a multidisciplinary approach to dealing with both mental health and diabetes concerns are available, and they can assist you in becoming and remaining well despite the difficulties you are experiencing.
Diabetes Types There are several types of diabetes.
Diabetes can be classified into four categories.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, resulting in an accumulation of glucose in the bloodstream. It is not preventable or manageable through changes in lifestyle, and daily insulin injections are required to keep blood glucose levels within normal ranges.
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic illness that affects the way food is absorbed and stored in the body. Type 1 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects how food is absorbed and stored in the body. It is believed that blood glucose levels are higher than normal because the body either does not create enough insulin or does not use the insulin that it does produce adequately. The management of type 2 diabetes can be achieved with regular physical activity, nutritious nutrition, and weight loss. It may also be necessary to provide tablets or insulin injections.
Gestational diabetes is characterized by a transitory increase in insulin resistance and glucose intolerance that normally disappears following the delivery of the child. Some women with gestational diabetes, on the other hand, will develop type 2 diabetes after having their babies.
Pre-diabetes is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Pre-diabetes can be controlled by adopting a healthy lifestyle, which lowers the chance of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease in the future.
Diabetes and the Struggle with Mental Health
Chronic diabetes can sometimes result in mental health issues such as diabetes distress, anxiety, depression, or eating disorders. Diabetes distress, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders are all common.
Diabetes-Related Distress
Diabetes distress is a term used to express the emotional toll that comes with having diabetes and managing it. People may feel overwhelmed and frightened that they are failing in their attempts to manage their illness. They can be concerned about long-term consequences or upset that they have little control over the situation.
Diabetes distress becomes a problem when the emotions associated with it interfere with daily activities, such as job, school, relationships, and diabetes control.
Anxiety and Diabetes are two conditions that can occur together.
Anxiety is one of the most frequent mental health conditions that can afflict people in Australia, and it affects one in every five people. Some people with diabetes have worry before receiving a diagnosis, while others experience anxiety as a result of specific anxieties related with managing their diabetes.
A problem or a mental health worry arises when anxiety symptoms persist for more than two weeks and have a negative impact on one's day-to-day activities. Anxiety symptoms might include feeling apprehensive, being unable to stop worrying, having difficulty relaxing, and becoming quickly angry or irritable, among other things.
Significant worry can also manifest itself physically in the form of physical symptoms such as chest tightness, headaches, an elevated heart rate, and an upset stomach.
Diabetes and depression are two conditions that can occur together.
Depression is frequent among diabetics, and it can be severe. When people are depressed, they have a very low mood for a lengthy period of time, according to medical definition. Everyone has feelings of sadness from time to time; however, people who suffer from depression have a constant and unabating sense of grief that cannot be shaken and that interferes with their ability to go about their everyday activities.
Some persons with diabetes develop depression before they are diagnosed with diabetes, whereas for others, depression is discovered after they are diagnosed with diabetes. Depression can also raise the likelihood of developing diabetes complications by making it difficult to complete duties such as frequent blood glucose monitoring, medication administration, adhering to a balanced eating plan, and engaging in regular physical activities.
Diabetes and Eating Disorders are two serious health problems.
When living with diabetes, there is typically a greater emphasis placed on food intake, weight, and one's overall body image. This can occasionally result in undesirable weight reduction behaviors such as drastically restricting food intake, binge eating and vomiting, or other unhealthy weight loss strategies..
According to research, some persons with diabetes struggle to maintain a healthy diet, develop food obsessions, and misinterpret insulin as a weight-management tool.
Negative emotions such as being dissatisfied with your appearance and feeling ashamed or guilty around food can also contribute to poor eating habits such as skipping meals or mismanaging insulin in order to slim down.
Even though eating disorders are a major medical and mental health problem for everyone, they are particularly dangerous for those who have diabetes..
Recognize when you need assistance.
Diabetes and psychological well-being
It is critical to take care of your physical and mental health at the same time. However, when dealing with diabetes, it can be difficult to determine whether the problem is a physical or mental one that is harming your well-being.
Depression and anxiety can manifest themselves in physical ways that are similar to those caused by diabetes, such as feeling exhausted or sleeping poorly. High blood sugar levels can also cause some of the symptoms of depression, such as exhaustion, changes in sleep patterns, weight gain, and hunger.
It is possible that people suffering from sadness or anxiety are unaware that their symptoms may be caused by a physical illness such as diabetes. The converse is true for persons who have diabetes, who may not be aware that their feelings are being caused by a mental health problem.
If you're frightened, feeling poorly, or concerned about changes in your mental or physical well-being, you should consult your primary care physician (family doctor). Once a cancer diagnosis has been made, a variety of support and treatment options are available.
Treatments for diabetes and mental health difficulties will typically entail a multidisciplinary approach that includes some or all of the following components:
GP
endocrinologist
diabetic education specialist
a nurse practitioner is a person who specializes in nursing
dietitian
either a counselor or a psychologist
Medical and psychological care are often combined in the most successful therapies, which will vary based on your specific scenario.
What You Can Do to Manage Your Diabetes-Related Wellbeing
Speaking with your doctor or another trained health expert is the first step toward regaining control and better management of your health.
There are also steps you may do on a daily basis to increase your overall sense of wellbeing while living with diabetes, including:
Keep in touch with family and friends, and participate in social activities to keep your connections strong.
Exercise on a regular basis. For example, walking your dog and conversing with other dog owners can be a fantastic opportunity to get some exercise and meet new people.
Learn about diabetes and mental health — how to effectively manage diabetes by understanding the why and how of it.
Consume nutritious foods in moderation and include a wide variety of them in your diet.
The goal should be to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Consume alcohol in moderation.
Family and friends can provide assistance, support, and encouragement.
Consult with your doctor or other health-care professional on a frequent basis and adhere to your diabetes treatment plan.