Diabetes and Depression: Understanding the Hidden Connection
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Mayanka Lodha Seth
Written By Sheena Mehta
on May 21, 2025
Last Edit Made By Sheena Mehta
on Jul 8, 2025
Hey!
Did you hear that people with diabetes are two to three times more vulnerable to depression?
This fact might surprise you, but the connection between diabetes mellitus and depression is often overlooked, when it needs detailed understanding, leaving many patients struggling silently.
This blog will explore the connection between the two, possible signs, and key strategies to support mental and emotional well-being alongside diabetes management.
Understanding the Link Between Diabetes and Depression
The International Diabetes Federation says diabetes is the biggest epidemic of the 21st century. The number of cases is likely to increase. On the other hand, depression is widespread, with a lifetime prevalence. The estimated prevalence ranges from 11% in low-income countries to 15% in high-income countries.
Additionally, depression is the 4th cause and diabetes is the 8th cause of disability-adjusted years (DALYS) in developed countries.
Diabetes and depression can influence each other, making the connection between the two complex:
- Diabetes can make you prone to depression.
- Being depressed can make it challenging to manage diabetes effectively, creating a vicious cycle.
Several factors contribute to this connection: Let's discover them in Detail.
1. Emotional Burden of a Chronic Illness
When you are diagnosed with diabetes, it need regular monitoring. You should adhere to diabetes medicines, dietary restrictions, and regular checkups, which are equally important.
2. Physical Symptoms Can Mimic or Worsen Depression
Common symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and lack of energy may mask one another, making it harder to diagnose depression early.
3. Biological Changes
A study reveals that fluctuations in your blood sugar level and inflammation may influence neurotransmitters in the brain, affecting mood regulation.
4. Fear of Complications
Worrying about long-term effects like nerve damage, kidney disease, or vision loss can cause chronic anxiety and sadness.
Diabetes and Depression: 12 Symptoms to Watch Out For
If you or anyone in the family has diabetes and experiences any of the following symptoms that last for more than two weeks, it could be a sign of depression:
- Persistent sadness or feeling of sadness
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Breathing difficulties or oversleeping
- Fatigue or low energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Blurred vision
- Changes in appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Irritability or restlessness
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide (seek immediate help)
- Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections.
Note: These emotions can impact your relationship with loved ones and people at work. Besides, these symptoms can be mistakenly attributed to diabetes itself. It is essential to prioritize your self-care, seek support from loved ones, and meet mental health professionals to manage your emotional burden successfully.
How Depression Affects Diabetes Management?
Depression can affect diabetes management in several ways, including:
- Make it challenging to stick to medications: When you are depressed, it becomes difficult to stick to a medication regimen, dietary plans, and exercise routines.
- Decreases motivation: Depression also decreases your motivation to live, often giving you a feeling of hopelessness. It leads to poor diabetes management, resulting in inadequate blood sugar control.
- Increased inflammation: Depression can worsen inflammation, which can contribute to diabetes complications.
- Lifestyle management: Depression can reduce your appetite, and poor sleep patterns and exercise regimen can affect diabetes management.
- Cognitive Impairment: Depression can impact cognitive function. This makes it harder to manage diabetes, monitor blood sugar, or remember medication.
- Increased risk of complications: Depression can increase the risk of diabetes-related complications, such as nerve damage, kidney disease, or vision loss.
Importance of Mental Health Screening in Diabetes Care
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), regular screening for depression and anxiety in people with diabetes is a must, especially if:
- Facing issues with glycemic control
- Recently diagnosed
- Facing diabetes-related complications
Living With Diabetes and Depression Together: What You Need to Do
It can be very challenging to manage diabetes and depression together. It is because each condition can negatively impact the other. However, with the right approach, you can manage both effectively to improve the quality of life.
1. Knock On the Doors of Professionals
You should seek help from professionals: psychologists, psychiatrists, or counselors may provide therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It shows successful outcomes in fighting depression and improving self-care behaviors.
Additionally, they may provide you with antidepressants or other medicines to keep the condition under control.
2. Peer Support and Education
Peer support and education are crucial in managing chronic conditions like diabetes. They allow you to share experiences, challenges, and coping strategies. Having a listener reduces feelings of isolation and helps you feel understood.
3. Lifestyle Modifications
Stick to a balanced diet to support both physical and mental health. Include whole grains, lean proteins, leafy vegetables, nuts, and fruits in your diet. Avoid refined sugar, processed foods, and trans fats. Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake to prevent interference with medication.
Furthermore, exercise is a must. Regular activity helps control blood sugar and boosts mood. You can also practice yoga and meditation; proper rest helps improve emotional resilience and insulin sensitivity.
4. Track Progress
Track your physical and emotional progress together. This can give you and your healthcare professional a complete picture of how these conditions affect your routine life.
Maintain a notebook to track the following:
- Blood sugar levels
- Mood fluctuations
- Sleep hours
- Medication adherence
5. Seek Urgent Support
Seek immediate medical help when you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, feelings of hopelessness, excessive tiredness, or neglect of diabetes care due to a low mood.
Importance of Blood Tests: A Proactive Way to Take Charge of Your Health
Regular blood tests for blood sugar, CBC, thyroid, and other health markers can help detect silent health risks. Always follow your doctor’s advice on when and how often to get a test done.
Healthy India Ki Trusted Lab—Redcliffe Labs is a leading healthcare organization committed to spreading awareness about diabetes and depression and promoting proactive health measures. We believe everyone should have access to quality healthcare, making it affordable for all, especially when the link between diabetes and depression exists.
So, why wait? Call us at 898 898 87 87 or download the Redcliffe Labs mobile app to book a blood test online with home sample collection.
Step-by-step information on booking a test online from Redcliffe Labs.
- Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/
- Search for the specific test you need.
- Add the test to the cart.
- Complete the payment process online.
- You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.
Conclusion
Managing diabetes and depression together is possible. Treat both conditions equally important, take a proactive approach, and lean on professional and social support. Even small steps can make a significant impact on your health and happiness.
FAQs
1. Why are people with diabetes more likely to get depression?
People with diabetes are more likely to experience depression because diabetes can cause emotional stress, increasing the risk of depression.
2. Can depression affect blood sugar levels?
Yes. Depression can cause fluctuations in your blood sugar levels. This is due to poor self-care, affecting diet, medication, and blood sugar levels.
3. How is depression diagnosed in diabetes?
Depression in diabetes is diagnosed through mental health screenings. Discuss your condition with a doctor, including mood swings, behavior, and lifestyle changes.
4. Can diabetes and depression be managed together?
Yes. Both conditions can be managed with medical support, lifestyle changes, and therapy.
