DIABETES - A MENTAL DISEASE?

Unlike manifold assumptions, diabetes as one of the most debilitating diseases in our society, does not come with a physical impact only. Rather, mental consequences of this health problem are of no less importance. Read on to learn about details.  

THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND

As you know, some 10% of the U.S. population is diabetic, with 1.5 million new diagnoses every year and a quarter of a million premature deaths.
 
Related to quite some physical problems. E.g., high blood glucose as the basic symptom of diabetes is also a risk factor for our heart with special reference to heart attack and stroke. As it may damage blood vessels and nerves which control our heart. Emphasizing the fact that heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death.
 
However, this vicious cycle is not closed.
 
Appreciating the fact that man’s existence is not one-dimensional but rather a complex biologic-ecologic phenomenon, diabetes’ impact on our health is not only physically but rather mentally as well.
 
Let’s focus on some

MENTAL IMPLICATIONS – SCIENTIFICALLY VERIFIED
 

According to U.S. governmental Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), as verified also by the British Diabetic Association (also termed Diabetes UK).
 
With 
 
Diabetes distress  

on top as the overriding consequence of this disease. With typical symptoms such as, inter alia,
- feeling of isolation
 - less motivation to manage the problem
- making unhealthy choices  

Affecting some
- 20% of patients with diabetes type 2 & 25% with diabetes 1            &
- one in 6 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes 2     

Even worse, the existence of diabetes may have a tremendous negative effect on our
 

• Mood

 
With respect to, inter alia,
 * anxiety
* nervousness
* coordination
* irritability
* concentration
* aggression
* impatience
* confusion
* changes in personality/behavior
* difficulties of ​making decisions
* feeling of tiredness/low energy or being unwell  

According to professional evidence at, inter alia
- Christus Santa Rosa Hospitals in San Antonio & New Braunfels, TX
    and research in Australia at
- University of Melbourne in Heidelberg/Parkville
   &
- Flinders University in Bedford Park 

Another impact – according to the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases may be
 

• Depression

 
due to lifestyle adjustments and changes of responsibilities when fighting diabetes.
 
With symptoms like, inter alia,
* disturbances/changes of sleep
* concentration problems  
* nervousness
* energy loss
* missing interest in certain activities
* feeling of sadness or guilt
   and sometimes even
* suicidal thoughts  

Also in those cases where children/teenagers are affected and which can lead to, inter alia,
* worse performance at school
* irritability
* anger
* agitation
* abandonment of specific activities and/or friends  

Also
 

• Anxiety

 
may arise as the result of long-term fight of diabetes.
 
According to research at, inter alia,
- University of Toronto in Toronto, Canada
   &
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center (UKMMC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia  

More than that, the mental impact of long-term management of diabetes, along with tensions and frustrations, can lead even to
 

• Disturbed relationship/marriage

 
Including hampered sex life and erectile dysfunction.
 
Based on U.S. & international research at, inter alia,
 - Pennsylvania State University at State College, PA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, NY
- University of Delaware in Newark, DE
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine in Farmington, CT
- Nanyang Technological University in Singapore  

IN A NUTSHELL

Unlike manifold assumptions, diabetes as one of the most debilitating diseases in our society, does not come with a physical impact only. Rather, mental consequences of this health problem are of no less importance as indicated in this blog.   
 

​MEDICAL ADAGE OF THE WEEK

"One of the symptoms of an approaching nervous breakdown
is the belief that one's work is terribly important.”   

British Philosopher & Polymath    
​(1872-1970) 
​

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