Diabetes and Mood Swings - Adjusting to Life with Type 2 Diabetes

Everyone feels down once in a while, it's a part of being human. However, if you're suffering from type 2 Diabetes, a recent diagnosis or the many lifestyle changes can be overwhelming. It isn't uncommon to have diabetes and mood swings occur together.

Causes of Mood Swings

Mood swings or depression in diabetics may be due to:

• Fluctuations in blood sugar levels. This is especially true if blood glucose is extremely high or extremely low.
• Anxiety from a positive diagnosis of diabetes.
• Stress from constant monitoring of blood sugar levels.
• Frustration with a change in diet.
• Stress on relationships with their friends & family.
• Feeling scared as the complications and signs of diabetes progress.
• Feelings of confusion, frustration, or just being overwhelmed by medical advice and lifestyle changes.

Its normal for people can to feel overwhelmed when confronted with illness. Anxiety can arise as diabetics change their lifestyle, diet and medication to cope with this potentially debilitating disease. The emotional and physical changes can naturally lead to mood swings.

Mood swings can also be brought about by new medications or changes in dosages. Prescriptions are helpful at alleviating the complications of diabetes such as hyperglycemia or neuropathy. However, side effects may be present and cause you to react in ways you didn't expect. Have your doctor monitor your prescription and speak honestly with him or her about any changes in mood you've been experiencing since starting treatment.

Note that feeling "down" for several weeks at a time may not be a simple mood swing - it could be the start of depression.

Spotting Depression

People experience depression in different ways. Symptoms of depression can include:

• Feeling down, sad and hopeless for weeks at a time.
• Lack of interest in daily activities and hobbies.
• Problems concentrating and easily annoyed.
• Unintentional weight gain or loss.
• Unexplained physical problems such as headaches & muscle aches.
• Restlessness & sleeping problems.
• Thoughts of suicide.

Depression is a serious condition that can be aggravated by physical and emotional stress. When it comes to talking about mental health, most people find it hard to ask friends and family for assistance. But it's extremely important for diabetics to address these negative feelings so that they are able to cope with controlling blood sugar levels and maintain optimal physical health. Keeping blood sugar levels in a normal range is critical in avoiding additional complications.

How to Help Yourself

• Don't hide your feelings. Alienating yourself when you are most vulnerable can harm you and your relationships with friends & family.

• Speak honestly with your doctor about your mental well-being.

• Don't stop or alter your prescriptions without advice from your doctor.

• Continue to follow the diabetes treatment plan developed for you, including all diet, exercise, and weight loss recommendations in addition to taking your medication as prescribed.

• Talk to someone you trust such as a close friend, a family member, a counsellor or a minister.

• Seek out diabetes support groups. It helps to talk to others who have gone through the same thing, and realize that you're not alone.

• Exercise regularly. Exercise is a natural mood enhancer, and it's also helpful in managing blood glucose levels.

• Avoid alcohol and drugs that can further alter your mood.

While diabetes and mood swings don't necessarily go hand-in-hand, it's certainly not uncommon. People with diabetes have to make lifestyle changes that affect the way they eat, sleep and live. Feeling good mentally will make living with the disease easier.