Diabetes and Depression: How Are They Related and What Can You Do?
People with chronic physical illnesses are more inclined to suffer from depression. Research suggests that nearly one-third of people who suffer from these illnesses also have depression symptoms. This includes people with diabetes. Some studies suggest that they are actually 3-4 times more likely than the general population to suffer from depression.
It has been widely known that a correlation between diabetes and depression exists, but new theories suggest that it might not be as simple as depression being a symptom of diabetes. Depression might actually be a risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes.
Let’s take a look at some of the signs and symptoms of depression, how it correlates to diabetes, and what you can do to manage depression and diabetes simultaneously.
Symptoms of Depression
- Change in appetite– binge eating or appetite loss
- Consistently feeling nervous, sad, anxious, alone, isolated, or hopeless
- Decreased energy/feeling lethargic
- Feelings of being a failure
- Difficulty concentrating and/or remembering things
- Change in sleep patterns– sleeping all day or an inability to sleep
- Sadness that is worse in the morning than later in the day
- Loss of interest in things you previously enjoyed
- Suicidal thoughts
Next, learn about the link between diabetes and depression.
