Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that can damage other important body organ. It is a major public health problem that is approaching epidemic proportions globally. It is certain to be one of the most challenging health problems in the 21st century.
When we think of diabetes, it’s physical symptoms often come to mind first. Foot complications, delayed wound healing, vision problems or associated hypertension weigh heavy on the minds of the sufferer. However, it’s impact on mental health is lesser known fact.
Yes, research shows that diabetic people are at increased risk of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and stress-related disorders.
Unfortunately, many people may not even realize that diabetes and mental health issues are so closely linked.
Diabetes and psychological stress
A diabetes diagnosis can be life-altering. The demands of managing a chronic condition like diabetes is itself a cause of stress, and can affect every aspect of a person’s life.
Yes, managing diabetes is actually pretty complex. With the activities like regular blood testing, frequent physician’s visit and strict adherence to medication, stress is likely to mount
Added to it, self-injecting insulin several times a day or carefully measuring and controlling carbohydrate intake makes life more demanding.
A constant concern about maintaining normal levels of blood sugar, medical complications, episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) or high blood sugar level (hyperglycaemia) make life full of uncertainties. As a result, it is obvious that patient with diabetes may develop symptoms of anxiety and anxiety disorders.
The reality is, the stress of daily diabetes care can build up and make you feel helpless. And if you have any diabetes related complications, the stress can increase further. Living with diabetes feel harder, especially when people around you don’t understand your situation.
Psychological stress can affect your blood sugar levels and how you look after your condition. There’s a bidirectional relationship between diabetes and mental health. Diabetes boosts the risk for mental health disorder and low mood make it more challenging to make healthy choices. Maintaining healthy behaviors such as exercise, healthy diet, and medication compliance is difficult. This ultimately harms how well your body handles your blood sugar.
Fluctuations in blood sugar can further impact mood resulting in mood swings, irritability, anger, problems concentrating, and trouble thinking clearly.
Further complicating the experience of diabetes is the burden of dealing with healthcare cost and travel expenses.
More often, negative emotional states prevents you to socialize resulting in isolation and loneliness.
Prioritizing mental health
Learning to live with diabetes is necessary to maintain optimal health and enjoy quality life.
Addressing psychological aspects including emotions, thinking and behavior would be beneficial to improve adherence to healthy lifestyle and self-care.
Mental health should be a priority in patients with diabetes to minimize the risk of long-term complications.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to start making positive changes to improve your overall well-being. With health conditions like diabetes, it is more important to make sure you’re doing right things.
First thing is getting educated about the disease. The more you know about diabetes, the easier it will be to make healthy choices.
Creating an attitude of acceptance towards distressing thoughts, feelings, emotions, and sensation is necessary. Monitoring your thoughts and restructuring them with problem-solving approach is beneficial. Sometimes, just having someone to talk to can make all the difference.
Also Check : Nurturing Mental Health
Role of self-care
For someone struggling with diabetes, managing sugar level and looking after your well-being will take time and efforts.
You can’t avoid stressful situations but you can cope up with your feelings. Taking steps to keep your stress in check promotes better blood sugar management.
Your journey with diabetes may seem long. You can make it easier by getting connected with other diabetic people. These people will understand what you’re experiencing and can help you feel less alone.
The bottom line is that people with diabetes are at an increased risk for mental health issues. But when you are able to take better self-care, improvement is obvious.
Disclaimer
Mediclin Brain Health’s content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
