Treatment

Depression and Diabetes

Statistics
How do You Know You Are Depressed?
The Need for Diagnosis
Treatment
Depression in Parents of Children With Diabetes
GE Insulin, Hypoglycaemia and Depression
Useful Research – Depression and Diabetes

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Treatment

Treatment for depression in people with diabetes has been shown to be effective and has the additional benefits of improving blood sugar control. The evidence suggests that cognitive behaviour therapy and anti-depressant medicines are as effective in people with diabetes as in those without diabetes. One study found that not only did treatment improve blood sugar control but during treatment there was an improvement in mood and weight. So treatment for depression can improve blood sugar control, so reducing the risk of complications but importantly, it also improves quality of life.

So if you answer ‘yes’ to the two questions below:

• During the last month, have you been bothered by feeling down, depressed or hopeless?
• During the last month, have you often been bothered by having little interest or pleasure in doing things?

…or you have more mild symptoms, you are not alone and the clear message from research is to seek help from your doctor because there is a good chance that your life will improve.