Whats the connection between diabetes and depression? Can diabetes cause depression?
If you have diabetes, you have an increased risk of developing depression. And if you have depression, you have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Though the relationship between diabetes and depression isn’t fully understood: • The rigors of managing diabetes can be stressful and lead to symptoms of depression. • Diabetes can cause complications and health problems, such as diabetic neuropathy, that may worsen symptoms of depression. • Depression can lead to poor lifestyle decisions, such as unhealthy eating, less exercise, smoking and weight gain — all of which are risk factors for diabetes. • Depression affects your ability to perform tasks, communicate and think clearly. This can interfere with your ability to successfully manage diabetes. The good news is that diabetes and depression can be treated together. Medications and lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, can improve both diabetes and depression. If you have diabetes, watch for signs and symptoms of dep
