Diabetes And Depression - Understanding The Vicious Circle They Create!

Diabetes is one major silent killer. Depression is another silent killer. According to the studies, a patient with diabetes has higher chances of getting depressed. Lack of social support, staying alone, lower income, the presence of diabetes complications and poorly controlled diabetes increase chances of depression in diabetes patients. Similarly depressed patient is at increased risk of development of diabetes. Thus, depression and diabetes have a cyclic relationship.

Need to break

It is very important to break the vicious cycle as it can affect the sugar control, quality of life and patient care. The depressed patient is less likely to follow diet and exercise. They do not take medicines regularly. The depressed patients will have bad control of sugars and increased complications of diabetes. It affects the quality of life of the patient.

How we can break the cycle?

Speak out

Depression remains underdiagnosed and untreated. One of the reason is the stigma associated with psychiatric illness in the society. Unless and until patient doesn't talk about it they are not going to improve. Hence ADA recommends evaluating for depression in patients with poorly controlled diabetes.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy or in particular cognitive behavioral therapy has been proven beneficial towards treating depression.

Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is very beneficial towards treating, both depression and diabetes. Exercise helps regulate blood sugar levels and hence can help control diabetes. It also helps in reducing excess weight, which can enhance your self-image and make you feel happier. Simultaneously, it also releases endorphins or the 'feel good' brain chemical. This can help alleviate depression symptoms.

Antidepressant

These are the medicines given to improve depression. Under the guidance of a psychiatrist, they help a lot. So don't say no to these medicines when prescribed by the psychiatrist.