A diabetic diagnosis can change everything that is happening in your life. It can not only change the way you think or the way you perceive things but it also changes your complete lifestyle. Whether it is type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, in the end, it will change your lifestyle. Many of you believe that diabetes and mental health are two different components that are not related to each other. You must know that there is a connection between mental health and diabetes. With poor diabetes management, it can make life very difficult for you such as you being hard in your relationships with your friends and family members.
It is essential to take preventive measures to maintain your mental health and in this article, we will discuss the true understanding between diabetes and mental health.
How Diabetes and Mental Health Are Linked?
You must understand receiving a diagnosis for diabetes is not only to lower the threat to that person’s life but also helps in improving lifestyle. The link between mental health and diabetes is biological. When it comes to changing your daily routine, your doctor might advise you to reduce the amount of sugar intake, eat more vegetables, and restrict alcohol intake. The doctor may also advise you to keep track of your blood glucose or sugar level, which may become frustrating. These changes can be emotionally draining and you might start to feel a bit off or have very little energy or motivation to do things.
You must remember the following if you want to understand the connection between diabetes and mental health issues:
- People having type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at a high risk of having depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
- People with type 1 diabetes have a high risk of living with eating disorders.
- The rate of depression is twice for people with diabetes than in the general population.
Having diabetes can definitely cause diabetes distress which shares some traits with stress, anxiety, and depression. Unlike depression, diabetes distress can be linked back to the actual causal effects of diabetes. However, as per research, it is said that diabetes distress cannot be treated with medication. It can be treated in a way that you must change your lifestyle like talk therapy or support groups in order to reduce stress.
Treatment and Therapies:
There are multiple ways to treat mental health conditions linked with diabetes. Therapy is the first method to treat diabetes and mental health issues however, there are many other methods as well such as:
- Therapies.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
- Family Therapy.
- Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy.
- Medications.
- Stress Management.
Therapies:
Therapies are a really great way to fix a person’s mental health issues. The connection between diabetes and mental health issues is something to be taken seriously and therapies are a really good way to tackle those issues. One of the best methods to tackle diabetes and mental health is talk therapy. The professionals can talk you through so many mental health problems that arise due to diabetes. Some of the most common types of therapies are as follows:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
- Family Therapy.
- Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy.
Medication:
In addition to therapy, medications are also a great way to overcome mental health issues caused by diabetes. It is highly important to discuss your problems with your licensed medical provider. Also, do share with your medical provider if your family has a history of diabetes and mental health as it will help the provider.
Some research suggests that SSRIs may help you control your blood sugar level for people who have type 2 diabetes. One study has also shown that antidepressants are likely to control blood pressure levels as well. However, you must visit your medical provider before making any decision.
Stress Management:
Diabetes if not treated quickly may cause prolonged stress which results in high blood sugar. You must know that stress itself makes it hard to treat diabetes. Experts suggest that you should look for patterns whenever you are logging in your blood sugar level. In order to spot the intensity of diabetes and mental health, keeping a record is highly essential. Spotting the difference in your records helps you find the weak spots that you can take seriously.
You must take your diabetes seriously because with that you will be able to avoid so many mental health problems. The deep connection between makes it important for you to take every type of preventive measure.
