Diabetes and mental health

[Shaz51]

Mental illness is enough to cope with on its own,

so being told you have diabetes as well can feel overwhelming at first.

It’s important to remember, then, that there are things you can do yourself to manage the condition well, and that there are trained people who can help you do this – for example, by recommending eating and lifestyle changes.

hello everyone 

I have diabetes 2 which a new doctor said out of the blue " do you know you have Diabetes "

Getting used to a diagnosis of diabetes can take a while, and just as there is stigma around mental illness, so there can be stigma around Type 2 Diabetes.
You may feel that some people think it’s your fault that you developed diabetes, that it was caused by eating too much and not exercising. However, diabetes is more common among people living with a mental illness.

Antipsychotic medications can lead to major weight gain, for example, while Depression and Anxiety can make it more difficult to exercise regularly and eat healthily because of the effects on motivation.
It is important for you, your family and friends to find out what you can about diabetes, to understand what support is available, and what you can do to help yourself.

love to hear from members who have diabetes 

[Shaz51]

What can I do about my diabetes?
Start by finding out about reliable sources of information and support.

Most people know someone with diabetes, but it doesn’t mean they know what’s best for you to do, or anything about your mental illness.

Good mental health and controlling the symptoms of mental illness are especially important when learning to manage diabetes.
A good doctor will look after your overall health, monitor your medication, and keep in contact with your mental health team as necessary. Making a longer appointment time helps build a relationship with your doctor, by giving you a chance to talk in more detail about your health and how you feel. It often helps to write down your questions or take a friend, support worker or family member to the appointment with you, to help you remember what to ask and what the doctor said.

@Wanderer, @Appleblossom , @Emelia8 , @Peregrinefalcon 

[NatureLover]

Hi @Shaz51 ! Is this a new diagnosis for you?

I've had Diabetes Type 2 for about 12 years now. I got it when I spent 3 years in bed due to a nervous breakdown. I'm not on insulin yet, but am on a few tablets for it and my blood sugars are creeping up slowly.

It took me ages to adjust to having it - it's a complicated illness.

My problem is that my 6 MIs take precedence for me - I pay less attention to the Diabetes than to my MIs. I havent changed my eating habits at all as I'm a food addict and am emotional eater. 

Thanks for starting this thread! 

[Shaz51]

Good morning @NatureLover 

Yes I was diagnosed with type 2 

3years ago now 

I am on 5mgs of diabetes meds but can not take any higher because of my kidney disease 

The meds were working but now my blood sugar levels are going up again 

So have a diabetes specialist appointments coming up , doctor thinks I need some extra help 

Have to see 

I love cheeses and food too 

[NatureLover]

Oh gosh @Shaz51 , I'm sorry your sugars are going up...and that your meds are limited due to your kidney disease 😥

I hope there is extra help available 💜

[Shaz51]

Mostly at night time @NatureLover 

Between 10 - 13 

Might have to stricker 

[NatureLover]

10 - 13's not good...and being stricter's not happy either! @Shaz51 

I thought the blood sugars were meant to come down at night...hmmm. 

I'm dreading when I have to adjust my eating habits...I don't think I can do it. 

Sending hugs 💜

[Shaz51]

@NatureLover 

Learning that there is more to diabetes than just food 

It depends on the stressful day you had , the amount of exercises,  how hydrated you are , how much you have eaten,  also sleep 

My morning reading is between 5 and 6 which is good 

How are you today 

[NatureLover]

Between 5 and 6 is excellent, well done @Shaz51 

My morning readings are usually in the 7's, sometimes 8's.

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@Shaz51 wrote:

@NatureLover 

It depends on the stressful day you had , the amount of exercises,  how hydrated you are , how much you have eaten,  also sleep 

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Yes, true, and I don't drink enough water. 

I'm OK today thanks, going out to lunch with some girlfriends. How about you?

[Daisysmum]

I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes about 5 weeks ago.  When I first found out, I remember just sitting there crying, feeling like "Why me?".  I did a lot of googling and went to the supermarket to buy lots of veggies and low GI carbs.  I was really depressed, thinking that I couldn't eat the majority of dishes I'd been making regularly, but I didn't realise that the main concerns were carbs and sugars, I thought I would have to cut out fats as well.  I've gotten used to the changes; cape seed or low gi bread, low carb wraps, basmati rice, wholemeal pasta, etc.  eating all bran for breakfast instead of instant oats.  I've incorporated healthy snacking into my day, so that I'm eating every two hours, and started eating dessert two hours after dinner.  What sucks is having to time everything perfectly and not just being able to eat when I'm hungry or when I have a craving.  I hate missing out on little treats, like a boost juice after a big supermarket shop, or a sausage sizzle at Bunnings.  It sucks not being able to join in eating scones or brownies or cupcakes that someone made in the staffroom at work.  I miss KFC and Hungry Jacks.  The diabetes also means that I have to be up and doing my first test for the day at 6:30 am, so no sleep ins.  I feel anxious about how my ability to produce insulin will change as the pregnancy progresses, and I might not be able to continue being diet controlled.  It's hard enough with all the diet restrictions that a normal pregnant person has (no soft cheese, no sushi, etc.) but having GD on top of that takes so much of the fun and comfort eating and craving satisfaction out of everything.  Sorry for the rant.