By Dr Chandani Seth


Diabetes and mental health issues may be inter-related, with each condition influencing and worsening the other in different ways. Several aspects of daily life are impacted by mental health, including how you think, feel, react, interact with others, and make any decisions, especially health related. Your thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and beliefs may influence how healthy your body is.


People with both conditions often experience poorer diabetes control, leading to an increased risk of complications and reduce the quality of life for affected individuals.


Depression and diabetes


Depression is a mental health condition that causes hopelessness and a loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy earlier.


Depression and diabetes share several common risk factors, such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and poor dietary choices. These factors can increase the likelihood of developing both conditions simultaneously.


Depression can influence the body's hormonal and inflammatory responses, which, in turn, can affect insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.


It can interfere with your ability to manage your diabetes. The World Health Organization considers depression as one of the main factors contributing to health decline and the progression of disability.


Certain medications prescribed for depression may also lead to weight gain and increased incidence of diabetes.


Anxiety And Diabetes


Anxiety is the uncontrollable and excessive feeling of worry and fear. Anxiety is 20% more common among people with diabetes than among non-diabetics.


Stress hormones have an impact on blood sugar levels, causing blood sugar to fluctuate unpredictably.


Diabetic Distress


Diabetes distress is when a person feels frustrated, defeated or overwhelmed by diabetes.


Diabetes is a chronic condition and the stress of daily diabetes care- managing medications, food and exercise along with handling your career and home, may take a toll on one's mental health and increase the chances development or exacerbation of depression and anxiety.


Individuals with diabetes may experience anxiety related to dietary restrictions, fear of hypoglycemia, or concerns about the long-term impact of the condition.


Management of diabetes and mental health conditions


● Family support: Speaking with those who know you well may be beneficial at times. Managing diabetes as a family - eating healthy food, exercising together, adopting healthy habits can result in positive impact in health of not only the patient , but the whole family.

● Counselling support: Emotional and psychological support should be included in diabetes management. Just like you visit a diabetes specialist doctor for youdiabetes, talking to a therapist or counsellor can be of great benefit for your mental health.

● Physical activity: Exercising is very important for managing diabetes. It has many positive benefits,not only for physical body such as controlling weight, lowering blood sugar levels, helping the body to use insulin more effectively, but it also helps improve mental ailments and elevate mood,and may  even be more than medication.

● Medicational support: Medications are prescribed to balance the chemicals in the brain. Your doctor will prescribe the one that suits you the best.

Because of psychological issues and social problems, many people struggle to regulate their blood sugar levels. A discussion with your doctor and diabetes educator about your diabetes plan may help alleviate anxiety.


Managing mental issues with the help of counselling, therapy and proper medications can go a long way in helping you control your diabetes as well.


The author is consultant endocrinologist at Indra hospital and Bhaktivedanta hospital, Mira Road, Mumbai.


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