Depression and Diabetes

Depression and diabetes are a common combination, unfortunately.  It’s bad enough to suffer from the terrible disease of diabetes, but to have to cope with depression on top of that is doubly worse.  In a way, though, if you’re suffering from this double whammy, this is good news.  It means that you’re not alone in having to fight both afflictions.  Granted, it’s not the greatest news, but it’s surely some relief to know that you’re not alone in your struggle, and that others are dealing with the same lot in life.  It may be a small comfort, but just this fact alone can make things a little less bleak.  So know you’re not alone.

Depression and diabetes don’t always go together 100 percent of the time.  But researchers have found that diabetics are about three times more likely than a random person to suffer from depression.  About 10 percent of all Americans suffer from depression, but the number for diabetics is about 30 percent.  Although there has been some research to find out why these numbers are so high, the answers are still elusive.  Some speculate that the stress of dealing constantly with diabetes, and worrying constantly about one’s future health contribute to the syndrome.  Others propose that there may be a dietary connection.   But no one knows for sure.

If you’re suffering from depression and diabetes, don’t ignore the problem.  Depression can kill, and should not be taken lightly.  Talk to your doctor about being depressed, and see if there’s anything he or she can prescribe to help alleviate the problem.  Some people react well to antidepressants and report that they feel like they’ve been given their life back.  So talk to your doctor today.  There are also steps you can take to help yourself.  Some studies say that regular exercise is just as effective in treating depression as some of the famous pills like Prozac.  If you’re not walking every day, start.  Work up to about 45 minutes day, and you’ll likely feel better.  Getting a pet can work wonders, too, if you don’t already have one.  But whatever you do, don’t let your depression fester.  Dealing with diabetes alone is tough enough.