Diabetes and mental health: taking care of diabetics from psychology.

Information on diabetes and mental health, treatments and prevention of psychological risks.

An often overlooked aspect of type 2 diabetes type 2 diabetes is the mental health burden that patients with the disease face. Fortunately, there are strategies based on lifestyle modification and some natural supplements that can help patients cope with diabetes-related stress and depression.

Before reading this article, we recommend that you read our article 'How do I know if I have Diabetes? Main warning symptoms' so that you know exactly the symptomatology of this condition.

Diabetes: the mind and the body

The Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder caused by an absolute or relative lack of insulin.a. Type 1 diabetes mellitus usually begins in childhood with the inability of the pancreas to secrete insulin and adequately regulate Blood sugar. The most common type of diabetes mellitus is type 2. It usually begins in adulthood due to poor lifestyle habits and is characterized by a lack of sensitivity to insulin, which cannot be overcome by the pancreas.

At present, diabetes sufferers have many natural health products available to them, as well as very good dietsThere are also many good diets that help to improve blood sugar regulation and at the same time reduce the risk factors for kidney failure, nerve damage, blindness, and cardiovascular events such as strokes and heart attacks.

However, many physicians approach type 2 diabetes focusing primarily on hormonal disturbances, visual impairment, nerve damage, cardiovascular problems and kidney problems, but rarely do they discuss and manage the mental health consequences for those living with the disease.

Type 2 diabetes affects the mind and body, so it is imperative that clinicians take a holistic approach in managing the disease.

Mental health issues and diabetes

The mental health burden that patients with diabetes face is concerning. Compared to non-diabetic patients, the severity of depressions and anxiety disorders are often much more pronounced.s. The combination of psychological disorders and diabetes is especially detrimental because it can have a negative impact on psychosocial and medical outcomes.

Among patients with type 2 diabetes, those with depressive symptoms tend to become stressed more easily, leading to an increase in the person's negativity, which in turn causes the affected person's behavior and mood to change.This leads to an increase in the person's negativity, which, in turn, causes the affected person's behavior and mood to change.

The depression and anxiety can also lead to other seemingly unrelated health problems.. For example, a recent study showed that, compared to healthy subjects, type 2 diabetes patients with severe depression and anxiety have a higher prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms.

There is even a specific personality trait attributed to type 2 diabetes, known as Type D.known as Type D (distressed personality)which is Spanish for "distressed personality". Type 2 diabetic patients with Type D personality become increasingly lonely. In addition, stress and emotional distress increase.

Managing Stress

While it is clear that type 2 diabetes increases the likelihood of having mental health problems and managing the daily stresses of life, the good news is that there are numerous strategies that can help patients better manage their psychological health and live a harmonious life.

Yoga

One of the best strategies is to perform yoga several times a week. Yoga helps build body awareness and is very effective in calming the nervous system.. It is an activity in which numerous postures that integrate the body and mind are performed.

According to a 2011 study, the practice of yoga "improves muscular strength and flexibility of the body; promotes and improves respiratory and cardiovascular function; promotes recovery and treatment of addictions; reduces stress, anxiety, depression and chronic pain; improve sleep patterns; and improve overall well-being and quality of life.”. 

Another recent study showed that yoga significantly improved the quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have shown that yoga helps control the symptoms and complications associated with type 2 diabetes.

Practicing yoga regularly, can help type 2 diabetic patients have less psychological distress and better management of their disease.

The other advantage is the potential absence of side effects, as yoga is free of side effects when practiced correctly.

Mindfuness and mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness training is a form of meditation that helps people focus their attention on the present. focus their attention on the presentThe rationale for this type of meditation has been validated in the medical literature, especially for chronic illnesses such as chronic diseases. The rationale for this type of meditation has been validated in the medical literature, especially for chronic diseases such as diabetes.

Similar research has shown that engaging in this type of meditation can benefit the patient's ability to cope with diabetes-related symptoms, as well as improve quality of life.and improve the quality of life and well-being of these individuals.

To learn about all the psychological benefits of Mindfulness, you can visit our article "Mindfulness: 8 benefits of mindfulness".

Useful supplements

The most advisable is to complement yoga with a treatment based on natural medicines for help eliminate stress and reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.. In any case, we should always consult a health professional to make sure which supplements are the most appropriate for each person.

Chromium

One of my favorite natural medicines for type 2 diabetes is the mineral chromium. This mineral has the property of increasing insulin sensitivity in the body.. Numerous studies have revealed that mineral chromium can improve the efficacy of blood sugar stabilizing medications, thus optimizing glucose control. A meta-analysis showed that supplemental chromium reduces both glycosylated hemoglobin and fasting blood sugar levels.