Managing DIABETES and depression

According to Beyond Blue, in any one year, about 1 million Australian adults have depression. But did you know that having diabetes could increase your risk of developing depression and that having depression increases the risk of developing type 2? DL diabetes educator Dr Kate Marsh discusses the symptoms of depression, the link with diabetes and steps you can take to improve your emotional wellbeing

- DR Kate Marsh

What is depression?

Feeling down or sad from time to time is a normal part of life. But if you’re feeling down or sad most of the time, and it starts to impact on your daily life, you may have depression. Other symptoms of depression (see page 96) include finding it hard to sleep or concentrate, and losing interest in your work, socialising or other things you used to enjoy.

The causes of depression can differ from one person to the next. Risk factors include relationship problems, employment problems, social isolation, significant changes in living arrangements (such as a separation or divorce), pregnancy and the birth of a child, drug and alcohol use and family history. Some people are more at risk because of their personality – for example, if they tend to worry, have low self-esteem or are a perfectionist. Being diagnosed with a chronic health problem such as diabetes can also increase the chance of developing depression.

Diabetes and depression – what do we know?

Depression occurs more commonly in people with diabetes – both type 1 and type 2. In fact, studies show people with diabetes are 2- 4 times more likely to develop depression than those without. Depression also seems to be a risk factor for developing type 2.