Insulin is an important hormone created in the pancreas that regulates blood glucose, or blood sugar. Diabetes is diagnosed when your body does not make insulin or use insulin properly, causing blood glucose levels to be higher than normal. Without proper management, diabetes may cause compilations over time. Managing diabetes well includes visits to your provider, healthy eating, physical activity, and healthy coping strategies for stress. It may also require tracking blood glucose levels and taking medications. These daily tasks can be overwhelming when living with diabetes. Mental health is as important as physical health, so don’t forget emotional well-being when managing your diabetes and seek help when necessary.
Living With Diabetes
Learn about the basics of diabetes, and get tips on how meal planning, exercise, proper medication and coping strategies can help you live well.
Hand in Hand
People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk for depression, anxiety, eating disorders and other mental health conditions. About one in four people with diabetes experience depression, and nearly 40% of those with diabetes encounter anxiety. Untreated mental health issues can make diabetes worse and vice versa; uncontrolled diabetes can lead to mental health concerns or exacerbate underlying mental health conditions. However, if one gets better the other tends to as well. Feeling physically good is half the battle with diabetes; feeling mentally good is the other half.
Take Steps to Feel Good
Taking care of and paying attention to your mental health is just as important as taking insulin and checking your glucose levels when you:
- Engage in healthy habits, such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, a balanced diet and good hygiene.
- Prioritize what is most important by writing it down or having a schedule to help stay on track.
- Reduce life stressors where possible. Not all stress can be removed from life but focusing on healthy coping strategies can help you manage it better.
- Talk to a friend or family member if you believe your mental health has taken a hit.
- Work with healthcare providers who are well-versed in mental and physical health conditions.
If you have diabetes and want to maintain good mental health, talk with your primary care doctor and a diabetes educator, who can help you keep your mental health in check.
