Chronic stress from a busy lifestyle can increase the risk of developing diabetes, or worsen the condition of people who have diabetes.
Mental health
Diabetes and mental health are very closely linked.
Everyone can feel stressed from time to time. Managing your diabetes, as well as other life demands, can feel very overwhelming. Emotional swings can affect your blood sugar levels, so it's important that you know how to recognize mood changes or stressors and how to deal with them.
It is estimated that 30% of people with diabetes have symptoms of depression at one time or another. Sometimes people living with diabetes feel distressed, which can include feeling frustrated, sad, angry or worried. Diabetes distress is a very common condition, so do not feel that you are alone.
The articles in this mental health section explore these and other commonly seen emotional and psychological issues, and offer helpful tips on how to cope and develop management strategies.
Laughter is the best medicine!
It may seem obvious why we laugh because something is funny! but laughter isn’t just a quick pick-me-up. It also has a number of beneficial short- and long-term physical effects.
Hypertension and its link to stress
As you have read in previous blogs, hypertension or high blood pressure can contribute to diabetes complications. One factor that can cause hypertension is stress.
Advocating for yourself with your healthcare team
Advocating for yourself is an important part of managing your overall healthcare needs.
Self-managing diabetes
Self-managing your diabetes, whether you have type 1, or type 2 or gestational diabetes can be very challenging and empowering at the same time.
Common concerns after a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
All kinds of feelings accompany a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes – shame, anger, or even sadness – but fear is probably the most common emotion. Below are some common concerns after a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, and some tips regarding how you can address them.
