QA Forum

Question & Answer

We are discussing Living with Diabetes
With Angela Blair, Kristen Hazelwood and the Department of Health and Ageing

Question:
My husband is diabetic, a symptom is that he is depressed. His doctor said it was a symptom so I am wanting to know how to stop this.

Answer:
Angela - As you are aware depression is a serious illness that effects a person's ability to function. Depression is not regarded as a symptom of diabetes but rather a possible complication of having diabetes. Symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst, passing more urine especially at night, tiredness, blurred vision and skin infections.

Current research indicates that there is a link between depression and diabetes. Not all people with depression have diabetes nor all people diagnosed with diabetes will develop depression. One in five people will have depression at some point in their adult life, however this more than doubles in the diabetes population. Issues such as living with diabetes, having a chronic illness for the rest of their life, the risk of diabetes complications, and the constant daily demands to manage their diabetes can trigger depression.

Because depression interferes with a person's ability to cope and function with the everyday demands of managing their diabetes there may also be an increase the risk of developing diabetes complications such as eye, kidney or nerve disease.

The symptoms of depression are not always easy to identify as many people especially men are uncomfortable admitting that they may have mental health problems. Support and encouragement of the person is very important. A visit with the general practitioner for a Diagnosis and treatment are the initial steps that need to be taken.

The treatment for depression is either medication, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT) and will depend on the degree of depression which treatment option will be used.

Support networks such as Beyond Blue or Lifeline can also provide assistance. With diabetes a coordinated approach is required that monitors diabetes control and the symptoms of depression and then implementing the best treatment for that person. The most effective one includes psychological and medical care, monitoring, diabetes education and support.

For more information visit Beyond Blue, the Black Dog Institute, Diabetes Australia or call Lifeline's Just ask Information Line on 13 11 14.

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