Diabetes And Mental Health, A Little Known Relationship
Diabetes is an increasingly common disease, unfortunately. It is estimated that nearly 422 million people worldwide suffer from it. However, some aspects of this disorder are poorly understood, an example of which is the relationship between diabetes and mental health.
Put simply, diabetes is caused by our body’s inability to make or use insulin. The latter is the “key” that allows glucose to enter cells and therefore be used as a nutrient to obtain energy.
If glucose remains in the blood in high concentrations and for a prolonged period of time, it ends up damaging the tissues. For this reason it is very important to maintain good blood sugar control and monitor the course of the disease.
However, diabetes not only affects the body, it can also affect mental health. In this article, we explain the relationship between high blood sugar levels and the mind, as well as the disorders that can result from it.
What does diabetes consist of?
It is a chronic disease in which the body is no longer able to produce enough insulin or use it to allow glucose to pass through the cells. There are several types of diabetes, but the most important are types 1 and 2.
- Type 1 diabetes typically occurs in childhood and is characterized by the inability of the pancreas to secrete insulin. Glucose levels are kept under control with insulin injections.
- Type 2 diabetes is typical of adulthood and consists of the inability to use insulin. It is the most common form, closely linked with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.
In both cases, it can strike at any age and anyone, although there is evidence that there is also a strong genetic component. The main problem of diabetes is represented by the vast number of complications that arise over time, or the risk of suffering from many other diseases.
Diabetes and mental health, what’s the relationship?
Diabetes affects many aspects of a person’s life and keeping it under control involves great responsibilities. The treatment, in fact, is not limited to the pharmacological aspect, but extends to nutrition and lifestyle.
For this reason, diabetes is often linked to high levels of stress. Stress itself leads to the release of cortisol, a hormone that impacts glucose metabolism. In short, everything is closely connected.
The diabetic person is forced to avoid certain habits or behaviors. For example, the consumption of alcohol or certain foods is contraindicated. These limitations can increase anxiety or demotivation.
Furthermore, it is an unpredictable pathology. In some cases, despite the efforts made to keep it under control, the desired results are not obtained, with a notable increase in frustration.
What mental disorders are associated with diabetes?
Diabetes is closely linked with mental health. It is estimated that the risk of suffering from depression is almost triple in people suffering from this disease. Anxiety disorders are also very common.
It is very important not to underestimate the repercussions of diabetes on the patient’s quality of life, not just on the physical level. Therefore, psycho-therapeutic monitoring may be useful.
We must not forget that the body and the mind influence each other. Any emotional distress can negatively affect the course of other diseases, including diabetes. It is therefore important to have a complete view of our health.
