Diabetes Raises Depression Risk

Depression Risk Factors for People With Diabetes

Negative Life Events, Obesity, Poor Disease Control May Raise Depression Risk in People With Diabetes

March 14, 2011 -- Experiencing negative life events and being overweight may raise the risk of depression in people with type 2 diabetes, according to new research.

People with type 2 diabetes are 52% more likely to become depressed than people without the condition, according to background information cited in the study.

Although some studies have suggested that all people with diabetes should be screened for depression, researchers say determining risk factors specific to people with diabetes might help identify people most likely to develop depression.

Depression and Diabetes

In the study, researchers followed 338 adults with type 2 diabetes for 18 months. Each participant was evaluated every nine months for signs of depression and disease status.

The results showed a history of depression and negative mood were the biggest predictors of depression among people with diabetes.

But when they looked closer at people with similar negative moods, they found the following factors were associated with an increased risk of developing depression:

Negative life events, such as divorce or death of a loved one

Being overweight, as evidenced by an elevated BMI (body mass index)

Poor diabetes control, as shown by elevated hemoglobin A1c level

“When patients have even moderate levels of increased depressive symptoms, it may be helpful to inquire about other life stressors and chronic disease management,” write researcher Diana M. Naranjo, PhD, of the University of California, San Francisco, and colleagues in the Annals of Family Medicine.

Answer:

Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia).

If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.

People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.

However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.

Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

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