Mood Changes and Diabetes
Why Maintaining Mental Health Is Important for People with Diabetes
By Jennifer Peterson, DNP, APRN, LMT, FNP-BC
Mood changes are a common experience in people with diabetes. These mood changes can be accredited to various factors including rapid changes in blood sugars, the stresses of managing a chronic illness every day, or depression.
Rapid changes in blood sugars cause some people to experience increased irritability or sadness. This can happen when blood sugars are too high or too low. Understanding and adherence to a diabetes management plan can help avoid the highs and lows of blood sugar thereby regulating mood. It is important to keep blood sugars as stable as possible so if big fluctuations are experienced throughout the day, a change in treatment regimen may be warranted.
The daily stresses of managing diabetes can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and diabetes burnout. Stress has a negative effect on diabetes. Continued stress that lasts for weeks or months can lead to unstable glucose levels which can alter mood. Additionally when feeling stressed, adherence to a treatment regimen is less likely, causing diabetes instability.
Recognizing symptoms of depression
Signs and symptoms of depression warrant assistance by a mental health professional. Managing mental health is just as important to overall health as managing diabetes. Some symptoms of depression include:
Anger
Anxiety
Low quality of life
Poor lifestyle choices
Weight gain or loss
Changes in sleep patterns
Tiredness or lethargy
Difficulty concentrating
When symptoms of depression are recognized it is important to seek help right away. The highs and lows experienced can lead to greater changes in mood and worsening symptoms.
How to reduce mood swings
There are many ways to reduce mood swings, depression, and make diabetes management easier.
Follow your diabetes regimen. This likely includes blood glucose monitoring, medications, and lifestyle adjustments.
Check your blood sugar regularly. Keep a log of unusual readings to discuss with your managing provider. Try various methods to get your blood sugar into range if it has become too high or too low.
Automate your plan. Set a timer on your phone to remind you when to take your medications or check your blood sugar. The more regular your actions are, the more regular your blood sugar is likely to be.
Plan your meals. Maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Perhaps prepare your food in advance if it makes it easier to follow your meal plan during the busy week.
Seek out help. You may find your diabetes plan too difficult to manage on your own. It is important to stay on track so be sure to ask for assistance if needed. You can reach out to family, friends, your physician, or even a class or support group.
How can GlyCare help?
GlyCare can help to normalize blood sugars thereby stabilizing mood. Whether you see one of our practitioners in the hospital or virtually as an outpatient, GlyCare helps to manage blood sugar levels to each patient’s ideal target range, preventing episodes of extreme hypo or hyperglycemia. Keeping blood sugar within range can help with mood changes experienced by some people with diabetes.
About the author
Dr. Jennifer Peterson, Nurse Practitioner, is the Director of Quality Assurance and Integration for GlyCare. She has years of experience managing diabetes for patients in the hospital and now trains other nurse practitioners to do the same. Dr. Peterson also ensures GlyCare provides high-quality services for all patients through a quality review program she created.
References
DeGroot, M. (2013, November). Can diabetes affect my mood?
Silver, N. (2019, March 11). Can diabetes cause mood swings?
Learn more about partnering with GlyCare for a turn-key diabetes management service. For more information on how to incorporate either in-person or virtual diabetes management, contact us today.