UMass Diabetes Center of Excellence Blog

Living with diabetes can be overwhelming. It can cause frustration, anxiety, and/or depression, all of which can get in the way of diabetes management. Taking medications, monitoring blood sugars, healthy eating, physical activity and every else that’s involved can become challenging over time. Feeling anxious and stressed makes it even more difficult to manage diabetes. Frustration about uncontrolled blood sugars can lead to depression.

Diabetes and depression can be treated together. The American Diabetes Association recommends including a behavioral health professional as part of a diabetes care team, however, few diabetes clinics throughout the United States currently do. The UMass Memorial Diabetes Center of Excellence care team includes two health psychologists who are specially trained to help people manage diabetes as well as emotional and behavioral wellbeing.  

Lifestyle factors such as a stressful job and family life may sometimes get in the way of successful diabetes management. People often know what they should be doing, but have difficulty putting a plan into action. Our diabetes psychologists help people begin and sustain necessary health behavior changes. Many of the changes in habits that can improve your diabetes can also improve depression, such as getting enough sleep and exercise. Research studies show that depression affects nearly 10% of American adults. People living with diabetes are at greater risk of depression.

Recognizing Signs of Depression

You can't get help for depression unless you realize you’re feeling depressed. Symptoms of depression include:

• Loss of pleasure in things you usually enjoy
• Nervousness
• Change to sleep habits
• Sadness or irritability
• Appetite change
• Feeling guilty or worthless
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of energy

Getting Help for Depression

If you're experiencing symptoms of depression, discuss it with your care team.  There are various treatment options for depression, but they should be chosen carefully by a trained professional based on the specific needs of the individual. Prescription antidepressant medications are generally well-tolerated and safe for people with diabetes. There are also non-medication options including psychotherapy or “talk” therapy that can relieve depression. The sooner you address it, the faster you’ll be on the road to recovery!