Diabetics are especially susceptible to diabetes and mood swings. Not only is there the psychological response of anxiety and depression that follows the initial diagnosis, but there’s a physical component as well. Rises and drops in blood sugar level will directly cause moodiness for those with diabetes. Mood swings are a warning sign of an insulin imbalance. Low blood sugar can cause irritability and agitation, which may indicate an insulin overdose. High blood sugar can also cause emotional changes, indicating not enough insulin. For those with diabetes and mood swings, symptoms may include anger, sudden outbursts, and inappropriate expression of positive emotions. People struggling with mood swings and diabetes may behave in unpredictable, unstable ways. Diabetes patients are also prone to anxiety, remorse and guilt for their emotional meltdowns, and may experience apprehension and depression because of their condition. It is very important for those with diabetes and mood swings to monitor their blood sugar regularly.
Does Diabetes Cause Mood Swings?
One may ask, “Can diabetes cause mood swings?” Diabetes is not the cause, but the condition. The real cause of mood swings with diabetes is a fluctuating blood sugar level. Diet and exercise can help, as can talking about these issues with a therapist. Those who resist seeking professional help might start by visiting a diabetes forum, where diabetes sufferers share their ideas and experiences.
Diabetes and Mood Swings in Men
Discussions of diabetes symptoms and men typically center around impotence, but diabetes and mood swings are just as big of a problem. In a study of diabetes mood swings in men, (http://www.prweb.com/releases/Diabetes/DiabetesBlog/prweb448890.htm) it was found that as men age, their hormones change dramatically with the natural depletion of testosterone levels and rising estrogen. For men with type 2 diabetes, it’s compounded by blood sugar fluctuations, which can cause emotional instability and aggressive behavior. Additionally, emotions caused by stress can cause a secretion of hormones which may counteract the effects of insulin, causing hyperglycemia and disrupting the body’s natural metabolism.
Diabetes, mood swings, anger… how can one cope? A healthy diet and exercise may offer relief. Keep glucose levels balanced by eating natural, whole foods. Sugars and starches should be avoided by diabetics with mood swings. Diabetes sufferers will benefit by substituting processed grains, potatoes, corn, white rice and pasta with healthier choices such as fiber-rich green vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals. Instead of unhealthy fats like fried foods, include fish, olive oil and lean meats. There are many vitamins and herbs that can help to keep blood sugars in balance. The most commonly mentioned are cinnamon, fenugreek, garlic, Asian ginseng, Stevia, and Gymnema Sylvestre – an herb native to southern and central India, where it has been used as a natural treatment for diabetes since ancient times.
