Diabetes and Mental Health Dependency.

Relationship between diabetes and mental health.

Diabetes and mental health are closely connected. Untreated mental health issues can make diabetes worse, and challenges in managing diabetes can negatively impact mental health. However, improving one of these areas tends to positively impact the other.

Importance of mental health in diabetes management.

Mental health is often not a priority in diabetes care, but it plays a key role in overall well-being. It affects how people handle stress, make decisions, and relate to others. When mental health issues are present, it can be harder to follow a diabetes care plan.

Depression and diabetes.

Depression is common among people with diabetes, being 2-3 times more frequent than in those without the disease. However, only 25-50% of those affected receive diagnosis and treatment. Depression can affect daily life and make it difficult to control diabetes, increasing the risk of complications.

Symptoms of depression:

• Feelings of sadness or emptiness.
• Loss of interest in activities.
• Changes in appetite and sleep patterns.
• Difficult to focus.
• Feelings of hopelessness, irritability, or guilt.
• Unexplained physical pain.
• Thoughts of suicide or death.

Treatment with therapy, medication, or both is often effective. Detecting and treating depression early benefits both quality of life and diabetes control.

Stress and anxiety.

Stress is a common part of life and can manifest as negative emotions or physical reactions (sweating, palpitations). In people with diabetes, stress can affect blood sugar levels due to the release of stress hormones.

Anxiety, on the other hand, is a state of worry or fear and is 20% more common in people with diabetes. It may be related to managing a chronic disease.

Ways to reduce stress and anxiety:

• Do physical activity, such as walking.
• Practice relaxation techniques (meditation, yoga).
• Contact a supportive friend.
• Take some personal time to rest.
• Maintain healthy habits (good diet, adequate sleep, avoiding alcohol and caffeine).

Anxiety can feel like symptoms of low blood sugar. If symptoms are present, it is advisable to test your glucose before assuming it is anxiety. If stress or anxiety is constant, talking to a mental health counselor may be beneficial.

Diabetes distress.

It is common for people with diabetes to feel discouraged, frustrated, or exhausted with their daily care. This can lead to neglecting healthy habits and compromising health. It is estimated that between 33-50% of people with diabetes experience distress within an 18-month period.

Unlike depression or anxiety, diabetes distress is not effectively treated with medication. However, strategies such as:

• Consult an endocrinologist with experience in diabetes.
• Seek support from a mental health counselor who specializes in chronic illness.
• Work with a diabetes educator to solve specific problems.
• Set small goals instead of tackling everything at once.
• Join a support group to share experiences and learn from others.

Importance of medical and emotional support.

Your healthcare team may not be aware of the emotional impact of diabetes on your daily life. It is important to express any mental health concerns to your doctor to receive the necessary support. You do not have to face these challenges alone, as there are resources and help available.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/es/living-with/la-diabetes-y-la-salud-mental.htm