Comments on: Which comes first? Depression or diabetes?

By: Sheri

Sheri — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:05:15 +0000

58% of the population with diabetes have sleep apnea. (Diabetes Care. 2003 Mar;26(3):702-9)

59% of the population with depression have sleep apnea. (Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2009 Jun;63(3):385-91.)

Sufficient good quality sleep is as important as diet and exercise as sleep disorders are proving to be the underlying factor in many of our cronic illnesses. If you notice that you are feeling tired during the day and are snoring at night, please tell your physician and have your sleep evaluated. Treatment is available and can save your life.

By: Lee, Yorktown Virginia

Lee, Yorktown Virginia — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:36:52 +0000

There are some studies that suggest that a large number of people with depression might have undetected thyroid conditions. We all know that an untreated thyroid condition can lead to other endocrine or autoimmune conditions, like diabetes.

By: C Anne

C Anne — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:37:04 +0000

My experience had depression coming before Type 1 diabetes when I was in my 20's, but I'm not sure how closely they were connected. At least, the many doctors I've seen over the years never suggested there was a connection. I do get frustrated and depressed when my A1C and cholesterol tests come back, as I am a vegan and exercising daily. And sometimes, when my blood sugar is over 250, I do feel cranky, irritable and depressed, probably because of the poor quality blood hitting my brain. But ever since I was diagnosed, blood sugar has fluctuated vastly, where I could get readings of 40 to 400 in a single day. I do not take any medication for depression, even though it is with me always, and I rely on meditation, exercise and staying in contact with family and friends for support. Its working so far.

To Sammy Mae: I would disagree with your aunt; the numbers are not meaningless. Yes, testing at any particular point in time is a snapshot of where you are, but it is a valuable tool to use it as a point on a spectrum, and not a point in a vacuum. Testing frequently allows me to see the pattern of increase or decrease in blood sugar. This means I can see trends of increased or decreased blood sugar and prepare accordingly. Testing before and after exercise gives me a feel for the range during that time, allowing me to decide if I should have or not have a snack, preventing possible lows later on. When I don't do this, I end up with readings as low as the mid 20's to mid-teens. Without testing, I could end up dead.

By: mt

mt — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 05:36:35 +0000

I am female, in my early 50's, and have had chronic depression since adolescence. Have used many meds over the years, most currently on Cymbalta. I was diagnosed as Type 2 about 4 years ago, also with a family history (mother and her mother), so I had tried for many years to delay the point of full-blown Type 2 with diet.
I take Avandamet, and also have cholesterol issues so I take Lipitor (also common among diabetics). I'm not sure how the depression connects to the diabetes. Which is the cart and which is the horse?
I know my mother felt very 'discriminated' against for being Type 2 (that was the word she would use), that was in the 1960's-80's, but I'm not sure I'd say she had chronic depression. I do try to exercise, more to look thinner. It hurts, because I have arthritis, mostly in my knees. I can't say it changes my mood whether I'm in exercise mode or not. Oh, and like Melinda, I've suffered from insomnia since adolescence and sometimes take Ambien CR, but I'm afraid to use it every night.
It all seems to connect together somehow, to me, but doctors always treat each condition as totally separate.

By: Sammy May

Sammy May — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:15:48 +0000

I have had type 2 for seven years. My father and all of his siblings also were diabetic. Stress of worrying about testing can cause diabetes to worsen–as can any kind of stress. At the onset, I was told to test once a day, at different times to see where the peaks and valleys occurred. One of my aunts had told me it is ridiculous to test often because of fluctuations which are meaningless. To test her theory I checked my sugar 3 times, one right after the other. The count was lower each time with the third being 12 points lower than the first. Guess she was right. Once the medication amount has been determined and an average is found, why keep testing so often? Of course there will be ups and downs; there are ups and downs in people who are not diabetic. Also, it is important to eat during the day so there is not a low blood sugar problem. It is good to eat some protein before bed to help keep the level even throughout the night.

By: Cody

Cody — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:52:21 +0000

I always had indicators that something wasn't quite right with my blood glucose. The first time I had an inkling something was "wrong" I was about 5 years old and was out walking with my mother when it suddenly felt like black clouds had moved over me and I suddenly just felt terrible. At around 6, I had my first asthma attack running outside in cold fall weather while people were burning leaves.

The only real "depression" I experienced was just when my hormones started up at around age 13. Then once in my 20s I'd exercised, skipped dinner, and when I awoke the next morning my tongue felt thick and I was very weak. I actually crawled to the refrigerator and ate some stewed tomatoes and then I felt like myself again in about 15 minutes. I had some other signs, but nothing ever showed up on tests. Then, I felt depressed when I started perimenopause in my late 40s. In my early 50s, I had to be on asthma medication for a couple of years after the house next door burned down. Then I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a couple of years later. Diet and exercise help a lot, but if the barometric pressure changes or a weather system blows in, my blood glucose becomes unpredictable. I've tried several different meds, but decided I do better with diet and exercise for now. That may change, but I don't want to be on any medication I may not be able to afford or obtain in an emergency such as flooding unless I absolutely have to be.

So I think I always had indicators that something was amiss with my blood glucose, but it was too subtle to tip off the doctors.

By: Cammy S. Kinstedt

Cammy S. Kinstedt — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:14:57 +0000

Dear folks,

I was diagnosed with depression in my early 20s, then with bi-polar disorder in my early 40s. I got the lovely dianosis of diabetes just two years ago at the tender young age of 49. I keep my type II under control with diet and exercise, though recent blood readings are showing that may not be good enough. Sigh. I try to stay upbeat through it all, but sometimes I just get a little depresssed. I love your show. Thanks for all you do. – Cammy

By: RS

RS — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:38:00 +0000

I was diagnosed with depression approximately 16 years ago and have been on meds since; then I was diagnosed with Insulin Reistence (prediabetes) for at least 7. So, in my case, depression came first.

By: Melinda Wensell

Melinda Wensell — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:09:52 +0000

I guess I've been lucky. My depression came first and, after trying at least four different medications, found that Cymbalta is what works for me. I developed Type 2 diabetes in 1997. I am 5'9" tall and weigh 140 pounds. I keep good control by taking metformin (Glucovance) tablets, coupled with a fairly new injectable drug, Byetta which practically killed my appetite. My A1c is 6.5. I am not much of an exerciser, though. I love to walk, but can't do it very often due to the neuropathy in my feet. I am also bad about testing. I only do it when I feel bad and have had some close calls with low blood sugar. I eat a lot of fast food because I am lazy and won't pack a lunch to take to work. I only eat breakfast and lunch and don't eat anything after 2:00pm. I have insomnia and have to take Ambien CR to sleep every night. Does anyone else consistently depend on sleep medications?

By: Dianna

Dianna — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:09:04 +0000

I have type 2 diabetes and happily no depression. I work diligently to keep my AIC at appropriate levels. I have NEVER been overweight, and ALWAYS been in good physical condition.

I believe that the AIC can be a sort of downer for some folks – as if it is a report card of one's efforts. Sometimes despite all the best info, the AIC is askew. Keeping the number in perspective is my saving grace. Don't let your health care provider belittle you for your AIC level. Seek professionals that will partner and encourage you!