According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), there are 12 types of disabling mental health problems that are related to diabetic anxiety. Diabetic anxiety issues may affect a person’s ability to function, their well-being, and their quality of life. It may also affect their overall health by making it difficult to follow treatment and control blood sugar levels.
Researchers have found that people with diabetes are 20 percent more likely to have an anxiety condition in their lifetime. Adults under the age of 30 and Hispanics have the highest rates.The study found that anxiety was more common among diabetics than persons of the general public.The question is what comes first, depression or anxiety, or diabetes and anxiety. According to GroupHealthResearch.org, the relationship probably goes both ways.
In one population-based study that was conducted by the National Institutes of Public Health, researchers looked on to see if symptoms of depression and anxiety preceded the onset of diabetes or vice versa. It was found that diabetes did not predict symptoms of depression or anxiety (independent of other factors). However, symptoms of depression and anxiety emerged as significant risk factors for the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Depression and Diabetic Anxiety
Depression and diabetic anxiety are not usually listed as complications of diabetes. Rates of depression and anxiety are generally higher for diabetics thanthe rates of people without diabetes. A huge problem is that depressed and anxious people do not do well normally in taking care of themselves.
Diabetics who are depressed and anxious have trouble keeping their blood sugar levels under control. Diabetics with mental issuesalso tend to have unhealthy appetites or eating habits.Suicidal adolescents or young adults have constant access to potentially lethal doses of insulin, which is a big risk factor according to the National Institutes of Health.
Even if blood sugar levels are controlled fairly well, depression and diabetic anxiety contribute to the complications of diabetes. For example, research has shown that diabetic anxiety and depression can be a large contributing factor to cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and high blood pressure. Diabetic anxiety and depression may also lead to other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, and skin diseases.
Studies are showing that the effective treatment of depression can help a diabetic to control the disease. Glucose levels have been shown to improve when depression was lifted. In turn, depression improves with signs of better diabetic control. Therefore, if you or someone you know is experiencing diabetic anxiety, depression, anger, or denial, medical help should be sought promptly in order to receive the proper treatment needed for your emotional and diabetic state.
