Numerous studies have shown a link between depression and diabetes. A recent study showed that the combination of depression and diabetes negatively affect the health of diabetic patients in numerous ways.
A random sample of patients with diabetes were assessed for symptoms of depression. Rates of myocardial infarction and stress in one month were higher in the group with depression than in the non-depressive group. Rates of patients having a job, having a college education or above, and sleeping less than 7 hour per day were also higher in the group with depression. Body mass index, and levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, urea, creatinine, uric acid, and homocysteine were higher in the group with depression and diabetes. Sleeping hours, history of myocardial infarction, stress in one month, working status, and total cholesterol were significantly associated with depression and diabetes. (Linchuang Wang, Rui Song, Zhigang Chen, Jun Wang, Feng Ling. BMC Public Health. 2015;15(188)
Symptoms of depression can include:
- Feeling sad or blue most of the day
- Lack of interest in pleasurable activities
- Change in weight
- Change in sleep patterns
- Agitation or lethargy
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Diminished concentration
- Thoughts of death
If you experience depression and diabetes, please obtain help. Don’t let depression or diabetes take over your life. The combination can negatively impact your health further and possibly lead to more depression. As a health psychologist, I work with chronic medical conditions and depression.