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Diagnosed with Diabetes
May Cause Symptoms
of Depression
More than 3.5 million people in SA
which counts for 6% of the population
is diagnosed with Diabetes. Being
diagnosed with Diabetes may come as
a shock, and one needs to go through
various life changing adjustments,
however, if detected early, it is
treatable and very manageable.
Changing and adjusting your life to
fit your new lifestyle includes taking
care of your mental wellbeing and it
is important that when initially being
diagnosed with diabetes or any other
chronic illness, you consult with our
doctor, and keep up regular visits
and disclose any information that you
are unclear about. Being diagnosed
with a chronic illness can come with
uncertainty, anxiety and even at times
depression. Studies have shown that
there is a close correlation between
diabetes and depression. If you are
already suffering from a mental health
illness such as depression, having
diabetes may make the symptoms of
depression worsen and also the stress
of managing diabetes every day,
may also contribute to the onset of
depression. According to the National
Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), say
that “people with diabetes are twice
as likely as the average person to
have depression”
There is also a possibility that
symptoms of depression may reduce
a patient’s physical wellbeing. Some
of the symptoms of depression
are over eating which may cause
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Diabetes Focus
spring 2014
weight gain, or under eating which
contributes to poor nutrition, feelings
of hopelessness and not taking care
of yourself (bathing, not wearing
clean clothes, poor hygiene) sleeping
too much or too little (which can
have an effect on one’s emotional
and cognitive wellbeing) and this
may contribute to the symptoms of
diabetes worsening.
It is important again that a diabetes
patient monitors their mental
wellbeing and monitors closely
that their diabetes symptoms don’t
worsen.
Symptoms of Depression to look out
for:
• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty”
mood
• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness,
helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in
hobbies and activities that were
once enjoyed, including sex
• Insomnia, early-morning awakening,
or oversleeping
• Appetite and/or weight loss or
overeating and weight gain
• Decreased energy, fatigue, being
“slowed down”
• Thoughts of death or suicide;
suicide attempts
• Restlessness, irritability
• Difficulty concentrating,
remembering, making decisions
• Persistent physical symptoms that
don’t respond to treatment, such as
headaches, digestive disorders, and
chronic pain
Received a diagnosis, now what?
• Keep a mood diary to monitor your
emotions and your behavior. This
allows you to keep in check and
notice if you are becoming at risk of
suffering from depression
• Get support from family and friends.
Attend a support group with people
who are going through similar
experiences as you. This offers a
safe place for you to share your
feelings and concerns and allows
you to exchange helpful tips and
coping tools to help manage your
illness
• Get educated. Learn as much as
you can about diabetes- symptoms,
treatment and management and
lifestyle changes. Become familiar
of the symptoms and risk factors for
depression
• Visit your doctor regularly to
monitor your diabetes and help you
manage physical and mental wellbeing.
Diabetes and depression are both
real illnesses that need to be taken
seriously. If you or a loved one have
been diagnosed with a chronic illness
and are needing support or if you just
need someone to talk to, call SADAG
on 0800 21 22 23 and a friendly
counsellor will help you get through
this transition and help you with
coping tools and will provide you with
information on depression.
Advertorial
Diabetes – a global emergency
Opinion by Dr Aneesa Sheik of Lilly South Africa
Diabetes has become one of the leading health issues
in South Africa, and indeed globally. Currently, around 382
million people live with diabetes worldwide, and by 2035, it
is estimated that this figure will balloon to 592 million.
Each year, over 5 million people die from complications
of this chronic illness, yet it is estimated that almost half
are unaware that they have diabetes.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a complex disorder of carbohydrate, fat and
protein breakdown that is primarily a result of a deficiency
or complete lack of insulin secretion by the pancreas, or
resistance to insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced in the
pancreas that allows glucose from food to enter the body’s
cells where it is converted into energy.
A person with diabetes does not absorb glucose properly,
and glucose remains circulating in the blood damaging
body tissues over time. This damage can lead to disabling
and life-threatening health complications. There are three
main types of diabetes:
• Type 1 diabetes: People with type 1 diabetes produce
very little or no insulin as a result of a very sudden onset
destruction of insulin producing cells in the pancreas.
It can affect people of any age, but usually occurs in
children or young adults. People with Type 1 diabetes
need insulin therapy.
• Type 2 diabetes: Approximately 90% of all cases
of diabetes are type 2. It is characterised by insulin
resistance and relative insulin deficiency. It is often
associated with obesity and can go undiagnosed for
years. Due to the progressive nature of the disease a
majority will eventually need insulin.
• Gestational diabetes, which appears during pregnancy,
can lead to health risks to the mother and her infant and
increases the risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in
life.
Depression and Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition and there is no “day off”.
With the stresses and demands on people with diabetes,
it’s not uncommon for diabetics to become overwhelmed
and suffer from depression.
Diabetes can cause complications and health problems
that may worsen the symptoms of depression. Fatigue
or feelings of worthlessness may cause one to ignore a
special diet or medication plan - all of which can interfere
with one’s ability to successfully manage their diabetes.
If you think you might be depressed, seek help right
away - diabetes and depression can be treated together.
Medications accompanied by lifestyle changes, including
therapy coupled with regular exercise, can improve both
conditions.
Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes
Erectile dysfunction (ED), the inability to develop or
maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual
intercourse, is one of the possible consequences of diabetic
neuropathy in men. Diabetic neuropathy nerve damage
caused by high blood sugar, and most often damages
nerves in your legs and feet. About 60–70% of people with
diabetes have some degree of diabetic nerve damage.
ED is also associated with depression. It may function
as a marker for cardiovascular disease and is often the
initial presenting factor allowing for the diagnosis of
diabetes. Other factors may include being overweight,
smoking and other lifestyle factors. Medications including
antidepressants and blood pressure drugs. Anxiety, stress
and depression may also have an influence.
Men who have diabetes and ED can take oral medication
but a detailed consultation with your doctor is necessary.
Importance of Diabetes Self-Management Education
A diagnosis of diabetes, particularly type 1, has a major
impact on every member of the family, affecting even the
activities of daily living that we so often take for granted.
This is why Lilly’s work in the field of diabetes selfmanagement education (DSME) is designed to increase the
individual’s involvement in confidently gaining control of
their diabetes, its treatment and its effect on their lives and
that of their loved ones. DSME is a collaborative process
through which people gain the knowledge and skills
required to modify behaviour and successfully manage
their diabetes. It is an interactive, ongoing process
involving the person with diabetes (or the caregiver/family)
and a diabetes educator(s).
As a major contributor towards diabetes care for over
92 years, Lilly Diabetes delivers an array of treatment
options as well as a variety of programs and resources via
healthcare providers that can help people overcome the
daily challenges of living with diabetes. Your doctor is your
best resource for information about living with diabetes
and if necessary, can recommend a support group.
However, while your healthcare team will advise and
support you, how well your diabetes is managed depends
on you. Use the resources available to empower yourself to
improve your metabolic control, increase fitness levels and
manage weight loss and other cardiovascular disease risk
factors, which in turn will improve your sense of well-being
and quality of life.
To learn more about Lilly, please visit www.lillydiabetes.co.za
spring 2014
Diabetes Focus 13