People with diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2, are more likely to have an increased risk of depression than others who do not suffer from this disease. Chronic low blood sugar, as well as the lows and highs that come with managing diabetes, can cause emotional and mental stress.

For people with Type 1 diabetes, insulin is a very important part of your life. They have to make sure their insulin levels are regulated, as their body doesn’t produce it anymore. Unfortunately, misuse of insulin can lead to health problems and even death.

Monitoring diabetes

Doctors who treat people with diabetes should watch out for symptoms of depression that their patients may be displaying. Over time, the constant management of a chronic illness can be exhausting, and people can develop depression as they struggle to find a balance in their life.

Some individuals may self-harm with the medication they are taking for their diabetes or cause additional health issues because of an incorrect dosage of insulin. Some insulin pumps factor in the body’s need for insulin, but dosages are constantly changing based on what they’ve been eating or if they exercise regularly.

There have been cases of people not taking their diabetes to lose weight. This can be signs of an eating disorder or a greater mental problem that needs to be addressed.

Everyone needs help sometimes

More and more Americans suffer from depression every year. About 25% of diabetics will be diagnosed with depression over the course of their disease. Changes in eating habits, sleep patterns, and emotional swings can be signs of depression.

Although not everyone is at risk of developing diabetes or having suicidal thoughts, physicians are urged to be on the lookout for symptoms of psychological distress in their patients.