Diabetes is a complex condition that affects people much more than blood sugar. While the physical side effects of diabetes are well-known, nothing much is said about its psychological impact. Diabetes can often lead to behavioural changes or sudden mood swings, which may place an emotional strain on your personal life and affect relationships.
Some of the common symptoms of diabetes that can lead to mood swings and behaviour changes include:
- Hunger
- Feeling confused
- Difficulty in coordination and decision-making
- Irritability
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Feeling nervous
- Constantly feel tired
The changes in the blood sugar level can affect a person’s mood and mental status. When the blood sugar levels return to a normal range, these symptoms subside and resolve themselves.
Diabetes, Anxiety and Depression
If you are diagnosed with diabetes, it can sometimes lead to a mental condition called ‘diabetes distress.’ Healthcare experts suggest that this condition shares elements of stress, anxiety and depression. While the symptoms of this condition may not be severe enough for the doctor to diagnose it quickly, the symptoms can affect the overall quality of your life.
The diabetes distress could stem from the fact that you feel worried and anxious for not being able to control your sugar levels, or from the constant state of worry about the potential complications that may arise in the future.
Some people also tend to suffer from diabetes distress because they worry about what their friend or family member might think about their condition, and they may treat them differently. When dealing with diabetes, it is natural that your family and friends may get involved with you and try to suggest different remedies. They even try to impose their diet or exercise routine on you. This can also be a cause of diabetes distress.
Irrespective of the cause of diabetes distress, the condition can lead to volatile mood swings and make you emotionally vulnerable, affecting your relationship with your loved ones.
Get Counselling for Diabetes Distress
If you are suffering from diabetes distress, it is advisable to seek counselling, or go for a preventive mental health visit to share how you feel, and express your concerns about your condition with the therapist. Even if you don’t have any symptoms of distress, you can still benefit from such visits as the experts can help you understand how diabetes can impact your lifestyle, emotions, and relationship with friends and family.
Being aware of one’s emotional problems can help you get much needed support from your loved ones that strengthen your relationships.
Other ways to control diabetes:
While you work with a counsellor to overcome the emotional and mental distress associated with diabetes, you must also focus on controlling your blood sugar levels and keep diabetes under check. The following tips will help:
Maintain a fixed meal schedule – One of the critical aspects of diabetes management and control, is eating regular-sized and healthy meals at a specified time every day.
Exercise regularly – Indulging in physical activities is paramount. It not only helps reduce the glucose levels in the body, but also enhances your moods.
Take pills on time – Taking diabetes medications at the same time every day, and regularly, is vital to keep the blood sugar level under check. Also, when your glucose level is within the ideal range, you feel physically and emotionally better.
Have a strong support network – You can consider joining a support group to share your concerns and fears and seek help. It is always reassuring to speak to your friends or loved ones on a regular basis. Having a reliable and robust support system can help you face diabetes-related challenges more efficiently.
