The Statistics
As many as 30 percent of diabetics also suffer from depression, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Though depression is a serious mental health condition that requires treatment to prevent health problems, the good news is that the ADA notes that no studies show that depression and diabetes together boost mortality rates.
Why the Increased Risk?
Researchers aren't really sure why diabetes increases the risk of depression or what the relationship between the two conditions really is. But it could have something to do with lack of control over diabetes and blood sugar levels, says the ADA. Diabetes can be tricky to control. It takes a careful regimen of medication, diet, exercise and lifestyle changes, and without that tight control, you can suffer from complications like heart disease, nerve damage, skin and vision problems. All of those life changes can be frustrating, particularly if you still aren't able to control your diabetes, thus leading to depression.
What to Do About It
If you have diabetes and notice symptoms of depression, talk to your doctor about it. Don't give up on trying to control your disease; rather, find better ways to control it. Untreated depression can make you not want to--or not able to--take care of yourself and your diabetes. Getting treatment for your diabetes means you'll be healthier, both mentally and physically.
