Taming the diabetes distress, depression cycle
If you have diabetes, you likely ask yourself dozens of questions every day that most people don’t give a second thought.
“I’m hungry. What can I eat that won’t spike my blood sugar.”
“But wait, before I eat, what is my blood sugar level right now?”
“How many carbs are in this meal and how much insulin will I need take?”
“I’m ready for sleep. Do I need a snack to keep me stable through the night?”
Other questions about physical activity, how stress and your environment may affect your numbers, costs, and general health issues may also be on your daily play list.
If the constant questioning makes you feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or emotionally drained, you’re not alone.
What you’re feeling is referred to as diabetes distress.
What is diabetes distress?1
The emotional burden that often accompanies diabetes, especially a new diagnosis, is diabetes distress. It can make you feel:
- Overwhelmed by daily diabetes management
- Worried about complications or future health
- Frustrated with blood sugar results
- Burned out by constant monitoring and decision-making
- Ineffective, like your efforts aren’t making a difference
Is diabetes distress similar to depression?
The two conditions are different, but they have a close and complex relationship. Depression can cause persistent sadness, low energy, hopelessness, and other symptoms2 that can make diabetes more difficult to manage. And diabetes distress can lead to burn out and make you more prone to depression. The two can become a continuous loop that packs a punch.
“Living with diabetes requires continuous self-management, which can be challenging over time,” said Rebekah Adams, Blue KC behavioral health program manager. “Many individuals cycle between periods of high motivation and effective self-care and periods of burnout where the ongoing demands of managing the condition start to feel exhausting.”
How to tame the diabetes distress, depression cycle
The good news is there’s hope for managing the cycle of depression and diabetes distress.
- Depression screening – The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends screening at least once a year for depressive symptoms. If your screen is positive, a behavioral health professional can provide therapy, recommend appropriate physical and mindfulness exercises, and collaborate with your doctor on care.
- Support team – Support, from professionals and nonprofessionals alike, is vital in managing diabetes. Beyond a behavioral health professionalal, your support team may include family members, friends, diabetes educators, your PCP, and diabetes support groups.
- Confidence in yourself – Confidence in your ability to manage diabetes often impacts your success. Confidence starts with allowing yourself to:
- Take it one step at a time
- Learn from setbacks
- Acknowledge small successes
- Trust that progress matters more than perfection
“Diabetes management doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” said Adams. “Relationships, work demands, financial stress, cultural expectations, healthcare experiences, and other life circumstances can all affect how you feel and how you care for yourself. A behavioral health professional becomes an important member of the team because they can help you make sense of these influences and build the confidence needed to manage diabetes in a way that works for your life.”
