Is there a connection between diabetes and anxiety attacks? It is known that people with diabetes are more likely than others to have anxiety and depression. In fact, according to a 2008 study conducted by the World Health Organization, people with diabetes are 40 percent more likely to have depression and about 30 percent more likely to have some form of anxiety. In addition, throughout the world mood disorders tend to become less common as patients age, but with type 2 diabetics they become even more common.
The American Diabetes Association reports that diabetes anxiety makes taking care of blood sugar levels and complications of the disease more difficult. Although there is a strong link between diabetes and anxiety problems little is known about what the relationship is. The ADA does report that the link is strongest among Hispanics and young adults.
Can Diabetes Cause Anxiety?
In 2011 a study about diabetes, depression, and anxiety was presented at the American Psychiatric Assn.’s annual meeting. According to the LA Times, the study was made “to assess the rates of mood disorders in diabetic Latinos and to determine which illness appeared first. It was determined by the study that among men diabetes was first in 54% of the cases and 24% developed depression first. Then, among women, diabetes developed first in 59% of the cases and in 29% of the cases depression came first.
On the other hand, CalmClinic.com states that hypoglycemia is a factor to consider when trying to understand the link between diabetes and anxiety attacks. According to the website, when the body is low on glucose adrenaline, which is stored in the body to nourish the brain, excess adrenaline is secreted by the body to prevent a starvation in the brain which can lead to coma. This release of adrenaline can trigger the sympathetic nervous system, causing an increase in heart rate, nervousness, shakiness, muscle tension, as well as a faster breathing pattern, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and sweating – all of which are symptoms of anxiety attacks. This may be as good an explanation as any for a diabetes anxiety disorder.
Luckily, diabetes and anxiety disorder symptoms can be controlled by one simple remedy: exercise. Exercise is helpful in treating both depression and anxiety because it releases stored energy and excess adrenaline, while releasing endorphins that bring pleasure. It also helps you to keep blood sugar levels from fluctuating, reducing both problems relating to diabetes and anxiety attacks. The only problem with exercising and diabetes is a person can fall into a hypoglycemic and dehydrated state very quickly. So, it is important to have a snack with you and drink water throughout your work-out.
