Depression and Diabetes Management

Whether being depressed can increase your risk for diabetes, or vice versa, there's no doubt that coping with a diagnosis of diabetes can sometimes feel overwhelming. That stress can impact how well you manage your blood sugars - a situation supported by research.

From the ADA's 66th Scientific Sessions:

• Diabetes-Related Emotional Distress Reduces the Clinical Efficacy of Intensive Diabetes Management Interventions
  Abstract Number: 848-P
  
• Effect of Depression on Diabetes Knowledge, Diabetes Self-Management, and Perceived Control in an Indigent Population with Type 2 DiabetesAbstract Number: 830-P

The ADA has a useful brochure on how to recognize and deal with depression. You can download the short pdf file at:
Recognizing and Handling Depression for People with Diabetes

If you'd like to read more about depression, its symptoms and treatments, a good place to start is the National Institute of Mental Health's site on depression.