How Anxiety And Diabetes Are Linked To Each Other? Read Here To Discover!

Welcome, readers! Do you know that diabetes, depression and anxiety are slowly becoming part of your life? Moreover, anxiety and diabetes together can cause serious illness for a lifetime if not managed with proper interventions. The study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that the prevalence of anxiety disorders in people with diabetes is 25.6%, compared to 11.3% in the general population

People who are diabetic may have to take care of their health by regularly moderating carbohydrates in food, measuring insulin levels, and thinking about long-term health. Still, for some people with diabetes, those concerns become more intense and result in anxiety. And together, they can disrupt your work-life balance. 

So, is there any intricate connection between anxiety and blood sugar levels? And if so, how can you manage anxiety and diabetes together? This blog is going to be the guide in the journey to not only manage chronic stress but also attain a healthy and sustainable balance. Wait no more and read on!

Table Of Contents

1. Connection Between Anxiety And Diabetes

2. Symptoms Of Anxiety

3. Symptoms Of Diabetes

4. Treatment For Anxiety

5. Treatment For Diabetes

6. Tips For Anxiety And Diabetes

7. The Final Say

8. FAQs

9. References

Connection Between Anxiety And Diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder which is afflicting millions of people worldwide. It is caused due to elevated blood sugar levels, leading to impaired function of the insulin hormone. However, recent studies have discovered a directional association between anxiety and diabetes. Thus, people with elevated anxiety symptoms or an anxiety condition may be at increased threat of developing Type 2 diabetes, while having Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes may place people at increased threat of developing elevated anxiety symptoms or an anxiety disorder.   

According to studies, people diagnosed with type- 2 diabetes suffer more frequently from depression and anxiety. As noted by a survey, about 42 individuals with type- 2 diabetes suffer from an anxiety disorder. About 28 of these individuals could also be diagnosed with mild to high levels of depression. Women are more likely to experience anxiety and diabetes rather than males. 

Also Read: How Morning Habits Can Help You Manage Anxiety And Depression? 

Symptoms Of Anxiety

Symptoms of anxiety can be physical, mental, or emotional. They can range from mild to severe and can come and go or be persistent. Here are some of the common symptoms of anxiety:

• A racing heart

• Sweating

• Trembling

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness

• Lightheadedness

• Chest pain

• Muscle tension

• Headaches

• Stomach problems

• Fatigue

• Difficulty sleeping

Also Read: Herbal Teas For Anxiety And Stress Relief: A Natural Remedy!

Symptoms Of Diabetes

The symptoms can vary depending on the type of diabetes you have and how well your blood sugar is controlled. However, some common symptoms of diabetes include:

• Frequent urination  

• Extreme thirst  

• Extreme hunger  

• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet  

• Blurry vision  

• Sores that heal slowly 

• Fatigue  

• Unexpected weight loss  

• Red, swollen gums  

• Frequent infections 

Also Read: 20 Foods With A Low-Glycemic Index For Diabetes

Treatment For Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are a spectrum. Hence, the treatments for each will be different. Consulting with your therapist will be the best way to identify the treatment. The following table mentions some of the most common treatments for anxiety: 

Treatment For Diabetes

The treatment techniques are frequently customised depending on the family history of diabetics, overall health, and financial considerations of the patient. Diet and lifestyle changes are a significant part of the regimen needed for treating diabetes, in addition to medicine. Certain foods are considered the best foods that help in controlling diabetes. You can also take a diabetes care plan to manage your blood sugar levels. 

The following are some effective methods of treatment for diabetes which you can include. However, make sure before bringing any major changes, consult with a healthcare professional. 

• Medications: Based on the type and severity of diabetes, a prescription for medications such as insulin, oral medications, or injectables may be provided.

• Lifestyle changes: Adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, and maintaining an optimal weight constitute the fundamental lifestyle changes.

• Blood sugar monitoring: Regularly checking blood glucose levels helps in managing diabetes effectively.

• Dietary modifications: Balancing carbohydrate intake, avoiding sugary foods, and portion control are crucial.

• Regular exercise: Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and helps control blood sugar levels.

• Weight management: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to better diabetes management.

• Stress management: Stress can impact blood sugar levels, so practising stress-reduction techniques is beneficial.

• Regular check-ups: Diabetes management necessitates the essentiality of regular check-ups, particularly for monitoring overall health--specifically about eyes, kidneys and cardiovascular condition.

• Adjusting medications: Periodic adjustments of medications may become necessary, contingent upon the control of blood sugar and overall health.

• Diabetes education: Individuals empower themselves to make informed decisions about their health through learning about the condition and its management in diabetes education.

Tips For Anxiety And Diabetes

There are numerous steps you can take to manage your anxiety and diabetes. Below are tips to reduce anxiety and diabetes:  

1. Exercise Regularly   

Exercise is great for diabetes stress management. It not only makes you feel physically better but mentally as well. Exercises, yoga, or physical activities like walking, running, cycling, dancing, team sports, and swimming help control your blood sugar levels. Exercise helps with your mental well-being as it reduces anxiety, depression, and negative moods and releases endorphins, chemicals in your body that make you feel good.   

2. Practice Meditation And Mindfulness   

Meditating for 10 minutes a day and practising mindfulness have both been scientifically proven to work. Meditation and mindfulness lower cortisol levels in the body, lowering stress levels and, with them, blood glucose levels as well. You can join meditation and mindfulness groups, download apps or watch videos of guided meditation and mindfulness sessions.   

3. Quit Bingeing When Stressed

You presumably already watch what you eat since you're diabetic, but it is important to eat the right foods for stress levels as well. We frequently indulge in junk food like ice cream and chips, replacing meals with them without understanding that we are replacing the nutrients our body should be getting with unhealthy sugars and fats.   

These unhealthy foods may make us feel like they are helping us manage stress at the moment, but in the long- run, they can cause a sudden spike in our blood glucose levels and cause our body to accumulate fat. 

Rather than impulsively eating junk food when stressed, drink a glass of water or do five jumping jacks. Take a walk around the house and busy yourself with something else. Remind yourself that eating junk food will not help you feel more ultimately. 

Also Read: Top 10 Foods That Help To Manage Diabetes

4. Find Time To Relax   

We all live increasingly busy lives, which results in adding levels of stress. Although it seems insolvable, we must do something daily to relieve stress for our blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and mental and physical well-being in general. Find at least one hour a day for relaxation. 

Relax by doing an activity you like, such as reading a book, painting, or baking. Try and choose an engaging activity for maximum relaxation- watching television is fine, but moving your body and creatively engaging your mind will give you a whole new level of peace and relaxation.   

Also Read: Yoga Nidra: Relaxation Technique For Stress & Anxiety

5. Talk To People In The Same Boat   

It's hard for those who are not diabetic to understand the problems and stress of people who do have diabetes. Having to watch what you eat, check your glucose monitoring device, and visit your doctor is all stressful, and the stress is here to stay.   

Talking to people in the same boat as you can help relieve stress. 

You can find a support group on social media or make a group of friends you know who are diabetic and catch up once a week to share your problems and empathise with each other. 

The Final Say

So, as this guide wraps, you now know there is indeed an intricate connection between anxiety and diabetes. One disorder may lead to the other, and vice versa. This robust connection may result from busy lives, sedentary lifestyles and even some underlying health conditions apart from diabetes. Understanding these is the key to managing anxiety and diabetes. 

People who are diabetic may want to manage stress through healthy lifestyle choices like diet, exercise, and other stress-relieving activities. However, consult with your doctor If you begin seeing symptoms that are not manageable with changes. 

FAQs

1. What is the connection between anxiety and diabetes?

Anxiety and diabetes both have a strong connection because too much anxiety can raise the level of blood sugar levels as the body releases stress hormones. 

2. What is the best anxiety medication for diabetes?

Alprazolam treatment of anxious patients with high blood sugar panic attacks may help decrease anxiety and improve glucose regulation through independent mechanisms.

3. What is the connection between hyperglycemia and anxiety?

Hyperglycemia during stress or anxiety is a widespread occurrence seen in patients. It is often defined as a blood glucose level above 180 mg/dl in patients without pre-existing diabetes.

References

• Anxiety and diabetes: Innovative approaches to management in primary care - PMC

• Diabetes and Mental Health

• Anxiety And Diabetes

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