Diabetes and Mental Health
Type 2 diabetes is a severe health condition where the body doesn’t make insulin properly or doesn’t make enough, resulting from uncontrolled blood sugar levels. It is largely driven by lifestyle and genetic factors, including physical inactivity, age, family history, and excess weight.
Type 2 diabetes is a severe health condition where the body doesn’t make insulin properly or doesn’t make enough, resulting from uncontrolled blood sugar levels. It is largely driven by lifestyle and genetic factors, including physical inactivity, age, family history, and excess weight.
Research indicates a link between diabetes and various mental health conditions, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Studies show that individuals diagnosed with depression are more likely to develop diabetes than the general population.
Certain psychiatric medications can also influence appetite, energy, and weight, which in turn elevates the risk for diabetes. But managing a mental illness does not mean an individual must passively accept weight gain or type 2 diabetes. People have significant control over their health outcomes.
Here are five ways you can reduce your health risks by focusing on daily habits:
Eat Well
Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats, which support the gut-brain axis, to provide vital nutrients and manage appetite and cravings.Get Moving
Start with simple, daily activities such as walking or stretching and gradually build up your routine. This will lower blood pressure, reduce insulin resistance, and improve sleep and mood.Prioritize Sleep
Maintain a cool, dark bedroom and limit artificial light and device usage before bedtime to regulate your metabolism, inflammation, body weight, and mood.Find Support
Connect with peer support groups to learn management strategies and build crucial social connections, which in turn builds confidence and provides valuable shared knowledge.Be Your Own Advocate
Discuss your total health – mind and body - openly with your doctors, asking about medication side effects and exploring alternative options, to ensure your care plan is tailored to your specific health needs.
Because diabetes and mental health are closely interconnected, taking a whole-person approach to wellness is crucial for prevention and management. Making your own healthy habits is a big step towards living a healthier life by reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
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