Diabetics Are Vulnerable to Mental Disorders, Here’s the Reason

Diabetes is a manageable disease. But not infrequently, sufferers experience stress and anxiety over the conditions they experience. Get to know the causes and ways to deal with mental disorders in diabetics through the following reviews.
Relationship between Diabetes and Mental Disorders
Mental disorders are illnesses that affect a person’s emotions, ways of thinking and behavior. Various types of mental disorders are commonly encountered, including: stress, anxiety disorders, and depression.
Reportedly, diabetics, aka diabetics, are prone to mental problems. This is of course reasonable, considering the patient must control the disease.
One type of mental disorder that is often found in diabetes is anxiety disorders. This disorder occurs when a person feels afraid or anxious. Anxiety is a normal reaction when someone faces stress.
Not only that, diabetics are also more prone to depression. According to research, people with type 2 diabetes are more at risk of experiencing depression than people without diabetes.
Unfortunately, according to data, only 25-50 percent of diabetics with depression are diagnosed and receive treatment.
The relationship between mental disorders and diabetes does not end there. Another study found that anxiety disorders can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, regardless of other pre-existing diabetes risk factors.
Also Read: Why Diabetics Have Routine Control to the Doctor?
Causes of Mental Disorders in Diabetics
People with diabetes are prone to experience stress and anxiety because they have to always ensure that their blood sugar levels remain normal.
There are several things that diabetics must pay attention to to control their disease, including:
- Consumption of food consumed daily.
- Monitor blood sugar regularly throughout the day.
- Adjust the insulin dose.
Apart from the stress of having to control their disease, diabetics are also prone to worry because of the risk of complications that can befall them.
For the record, someone with diabetes is more susceptible to heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke. This is what ultimately causes diabetics to experience anxiety and stress disorders.
How to Overcome Mental Disorders in Diabetics
According to research, occupational therapy is more effective than drugs. However, first talk to your doctor about the most appropriate treatment.
In addition, there are several ways to deal with stress and anxiety that can be done, including:
- Active move. You can take a walk around the house to get some peace. In fact, reportedly, this effect can last up to hours.
- Tell a trusted friend or relative. This method can help you get the expected advice.
- Try some relaxation exercises, such as yoga or meditation.
- Do fun things. You can take time to take a break from activities. Go outside to do your hobby.
- Limit intake of caffeine and alcoholic beverages.
- Increase consumption of complete and balanced nutritious food and adequate rest.
In some cases, the doctor may prescribe medication to help relieve symptoms. Some of these symptoms, such as:
- Antidepressants.
- Anti-anxiety like buspirone.
- Benzodiazepines to relieve panic attacks.
For some people, diabetes can seriously impact mental health. Therefore, talk to your doctor if this disease burdens you.
That way, the doctor can provide advice as well as appropriate therapy to treat your condition. May be useful!
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- Anonymous. 2022. Diabetes and Mental Health. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/mental-health.html. (Accessed January 9, 2023).
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- Anonymous. Understanding Diabetes and Mental Health. https://diabetes.org/healthy-living/mental-health. (Accessed January 9, 2023).
- Dresden, Danielle. 2019. Diabetes and Anxiety: What is the Link? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327321. (Accessed January 9, 2023).
- Erm, Anne. 2007. The Role of Depression and Anxiety in the Onset of Diabetes in A Large Population-based Study. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002239990600331X. (Accessed January 9, 2023).
- Evans, Julie Ryan. 2018. Tips for Dealing with Anxiety and Diabetes. https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/with-anxiety. (Accessed January 9, 2023).
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