Maxy sez : How to Manage the Emotional Toll of Type 2 Diabetes

Many people living with diabetes — including those who are managing it with great success — report that one of the toughest parts is that diabetes never takes a day off. And that means you can’t either. Living with type 2 diabetes every day can make you feel discouraged, angry, sad, stressed, or even depressed.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), studies show that people with diabetes have a greater risk of depression than people without diabetes. Depression is a serious and painful condition that can affect those you love as well as yourself. In addition, depression can interfere with effective diabetes self-care. 

Common Emotional Side Effects

Don’t want to talk about your diagnosis
Sleep disturbances
No longer taking care of yourself
Feel like diabetes is running your life
Losing interest in activities and hobbies
Withdrawal from family and friends
Sudden weight loss or gain
Trouble concentrating
Tired all the time
Thinking about dying or ways to hurt yourself
If you have three or more of these symptoms, or if you have just one or two but have been feeling bad for two weeks or more, it's time to get help. Check in with your care team or ask your local office of the ADA about counselors who have worked with people with diabetes.

Don’t give up on yourself — and don’t give up on your diabetes-care team. When the going gets rough, turn to trusted people in your life, such as your spouse, loved ones, and friends. Find a diabetes support group — (your certified diabetes educator (CDE) can help with this) — and find out how other people are handling these feelings.