Depression and Diabetes - Depression Shown to Be a Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes

"Life is just a bowl of cherries." Whoever came up with this quote probably never was diagnosed with diabetes or depression. When you have diabetes, life can seem like a bowl of rotten bananas! But, just because you live with diabetes, doesn't mean you have to live with depression!

What's the big deal with depression?

Depression is shown to be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes because it's one of the most common and dangerous complications. Diabetics are at far greater risk for acquiring depression than non-diabetics because diabetics have more stress than non-diabetics. Controlling diabetes requires a large number of physical and mental adaptations:

- Diabetics must learn about a complex system of dietary and medical interventions.

- Diabetics may have to alter their lifestyle, school, and work schedules.

- Diabetics feel like they're outsiders from the world.

- Diabetics must adjust to a new view of how they live.

What causes depression?

Alcohol or drug abuse

Changes of environment

Side effects from medications

Stress

Thyroid problems

Why is depression a risk factor for my type 2 diabetes?

- The stress from daily diabetes management alone can make you feel set apart from your family and friends.

- Physical complications can make you feel like you're losing control.

- Tension between you and your doctor can make you feel frustrated and sad.

- Loss of appetite caused from depression will affect blood sugar levels.

- Feeling anxious and not thinking straight will cause irregular food intake causing blood sugar to dramatically and dangerously change.

What are the warning signs of depression?

- Appetite: eating more or less than normal will result in quick weight gain or weight loss.

- Early to rise: waking up earlier than usual and cannot go back to sleep.

- Guilt: you think you can "never do anything right" and think you're a burden.

- Loss of energy: you're tired all the time.

- Loss of pleasure: you no longer are interested in doing things you used to enjoy.

- Morning sadness: you feel worse in the morning than you any other time.

- Nervousness: you always feel anxious and can't sit or stand still.

- Sleep patterns: you have trouble falling asleep or you want to sleep during the day.

- Suicidal thoughts: you feel life would be better without you around.

- Trouble concentrating: you can't watch TV or read because you're pre-occupied.

I have diabetes. How do I know if I suffer from depression?

The first step is to ask your doctor for a depression screening immediately. If the screening reveals you do have depression, you can address those concerns with your health professional. Asking for help won't label you a victim, but rather it will label you a victor.

What are the advantages for treating my depression?

Recent studies show that proper treatment of depression can dramatically improve type 2 diabetes. The advantages for treating your depression will:

1. Improve your physical function.

2. Let you take on life like you own the world.

3. Make you feel happy.

Is there any product that can help me take control of my diabetes and depression?