Diabetic Adults and Depression

Information which was released during the 69^th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association in 2009 reveals that adults diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are more likely to suffer from clinical depression than adults without the disease.  Diabetic adults also take more anti-depressant medicine
, being almost two times as likely to take prescription antidepressants as non-diabetics. Diabetics struggles with depression are receiving growing awareness by the medical community. Many physicians are now regularly screening patients with diabetes for symptoms of depression, especially those with other health issues related to their diabetes.

A diagnosis of type 1 diabetes usually occurs in children or young adults and is the fourth leading cause of mortality around the world. It is an incurable disease which can bring about many serious health complications.  Also called juvenile diabetes (or insulin-dependent diabetes), the disease develops when the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient amounts of insulin to stabilize the body's blood sugar levels. Over time, the pancreatic cells which manufacture insulin are completely destroyed and the body is rendered incapable of any insulin production. Without insulin replacement or other diabetes medication, a patient with diabetes will become severely sick and even die.

Diabetes can cause other health problems such as retinopathy, blindness, amputation, cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and kidney or pancreas failure. People with type 1 diabetes who are experiencing such medical complications are most likely to have anxiety and depression. Such patients say that they have constant concerns over their health, are less able to maintain regular employment, and may experience significant physical pain or discomfort.Most patients can control their diabetes but often need the help from a thorough team of medical professionals which consists of: a primary care doctor, eye doctor, nutritionist, podiatrist, kidney specialist, cardiologist, and dentist.  Since depression is common among diabetics, a psychologist or psychiatrist is often necessary. Many type 1 diabetics can successfully manage their disease with insulin and other supplemental diabetes medicines. They do need to closely monitor their health but can expect to live longer and healthier than ever before. In recent years, antidepressant medicines
are now also being given to such patients.  They are helping them better cope with their condition and enjoy a better quality of life.