diabetes mellitus
Research
Source: Journal of Diabetes and its Complications
Poor blood sugar control is associated with psychological distress and lower health-related quality of life in type 2 diabetes patients
In a nutshell
This study investigated the factors associated with psychological distress, behavioral impact and health-related quality of life in type 2 diabetes.
Some background
Aside from physical symptoms, diabetes can impact patients psychologically, as treatment involves making lifestyle changes. Such changes include taking medication, controlling blood sugar and making changes to diet and exercise levels. This can cause psychological distress (feelings of hopelessness, irritability etc.). It can also negatively impact on the behavior of patients (for example, activity levels and eating control). Psychological distress can cause poorer blood sugar control and lessen health-related quality of life. Health-related quality of life can predict the usage of health services as well as survival rates. Therefore, it is important to determine the impacting factors.
Methods & findings
The bottom line
The authors concluded that poor blood sugar control was associated with higher levels of psychological distress and lower scores for health-related quality of life in type 2 diabetes patients. The authors suggest that new approaches to improving blood sugar control, without causing patient distress, are required.
The fine print
All of the study participants were living in Singapore. Hence, these findings may not relate to the wider population. Also, the majority of participants were men. This means that these findings may be more applicable to men than women.
What's next?
Consult your doctor if you are concerned about the impact of type 2 diabetes on your mental health or your health-related quality of life.
Disclaimer:
This information should not be relied upon as a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Use the information provided by Medivizor solely at your own risk. Medivizor makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy of information provided herein. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult a physician.
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I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1996 and depression followed. I am still on medication for the depression. The meds have changed but I still take more than I would like. After having gone off them for a time I thought that I was going crazy and the doctor immediately put me back on them. I guess that is it for life. Reply
Me too! Same stuff major depression , anxiety , & panic attacks . I
Can't go off the meds for that crap. & I take metformin 500 mg. twice a day. I had taking all these meds but what r u
Going 2 do. So, hang in there .
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Be careful with the metformin. That med almost killed me and can cause depression and anxiety. I have both but I work through them by keeping myself busy in my community helping others so I don't have time to think about it. Reply
I have been taking Metformin every day since 1985. I am in good shape, no complication Reply
I have struggled with depression almost my entire life diagnosed with type two diabetes six years ago was able to manage it with diet and exercise then this fall Hemoglobin a1 c over 14. Now taking Metformin and gliburide as well as Toujeo insulin. Depressive symptoms increased. I needed my depression meds increased also increased feelings of hopelessness it may be time for therapy Reply
You might want to try seeing another doctor to see about getting off of Metformin. My a1c was over 13 but has dropped down to around 9. Many times it is meds that cause the depression and we need to seek other doctors. I have a diabetes doctor at the U of MN and she has done wonders for me. Some so called clinic doctors have no idea what we go through. Reply
this study is interesting. But, psychological distress can take place with any disease, diabetes, cancer, pneumonia or a cool
generally, in diabetes, talking about distress refer to cellular distress. When cell proliferation takes 40 times less to attempt skin upper, that happened with keratinocytes in diabetes complications.
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The more it sinks in that diabetes is a lifelong battle the more depressed I get. I am already on 60 MG of Paxil still struggling with depression Reply
I'm for many years full stres from diabetes but tray to kip low profayle sow counseled and I'm on tablets is noting new Reply
I was on depression pills before I was diagnosed with diabetes, so no change there then Reply
The best way is to see consul to tock. To and sum sport I'll help you a lot
I'm doing these my sugar level drops lost wait fill good Reply
??? You need to read over what you write before you post. It makes no sense Reply
There's no doubt that having diabetes lowers one self esteem and causes psychological distress. I was seeing one doctor who was not aggressive with my treatment keeping me on metformin with 400 blood sugar levels I went to see a nurse practitioner and she prescribed insulin.metformin and glipizide until my sugars went down. Now I'm on Inokana. Metformin and glipizide and blood sugar levels are normal. I feel much better and less depressed. Reply
We are expected to feel depressed as Diabetics Reply
While my ADHD & drug affected son was alive I was stressed to the max & on high doses of insulin & probably depressed too but there was so much happening how anyone tell. After he passed away back in 2014 my blood glucose levels were much easier to control & now I'm on much less insulin daily.
Now that I have most of the trauma behind me I can see that depression was an undiagnosed, unrecognised problem for many years even though I seemed to be coping wonderfully well & everyone was telling what an inspiration I was.
However, I can't believe how different I feel. There's much less stress, lots less insulin & I've recognised, with the help of a counsellor, a huge change in attitude. Depression is a minor problem now & reducing steadily & I can't believe how much happier I am.
By Australian measurement I was taking 48units of Novomix in the morning & 44 in the evening. Now I have 18 units in the morning & 20-22 in the evening & that will have to be reduced because most of my readings are too low lately.
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I am sorry for the loss of your son. And that you had to go through that. Sounds like we all suffered from depression prior to being diagnosed with dieabetic. But if a person wasn't does dieabetic cause depression. Reply
A positive attitude will save the day. Follow a proper regime of diet, exercise should help you maintain a healthy life style. Not able to deal with having diabetes? This could be the least of your problems. Review your past habits and locate what got you into this sickness. To many of the negative comments that we see is not very productive. Reply
I just simply do not understand why impossible the xanax in the UK? All doctors refused to give a prescription . Reply
It is true in any part of the world. Reply