Diabetes and Your Mood

• Oct 23, 2023

Diabetes is a life-long, or chronic, disease that requires constant management to control your blood sugar (glucose).

Many people experience feelings of anger, sadness, or fear when they find out they have diabetes, or they may not want to accept that they have the disease.

Keeping track of your blood sugar, taking medications, planning your meals, and making sure you get enough exercise can be overwhelming and emotionally exhausting.

• You may be worried about your diabetes becoming worse or developing complications, such as heart disease or stroke.
• You might be worried about the cost of treating your diabetes.

It is normal to feel sad, upset, or worried when you find out you have a long-life disease. Your mood can affect what you feel like doing and how you take care of yourself. Support from your family and friends can help you manage your diabetes. Some people with diabetes have a higher risk of depression, a condition that causes feelings of sadness or loss of interest in daily activities and things you used to enjoy.

If you often feel sad or hopeless, then you need to get help from a healthcare professional. Your doctor or nurse can help you find a mental health specialist familiar with diabetes.

Some symptoms of depression include:

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• Changes in sleep
• Changes in your appetite and weight
• Waking up earlier than normal
• Low energy
• Trouble concentrating
• Feelings of guilt
• Nervousness
• Morning sadness

Your healthcare team can also help you deal with stress, worry, and sadness that can come with living with diabetes. The next time you have a diabetes checkup, talk with your healthcare provider about how you feel and about any symptoms of depression that you might have experienced recently.

Source: MKT0567