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How can we keep mood
Diabetes Questions & Answers
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The Question

10/16/09 10:09 AM

"How can we keep mood swings under control? They seem to be getting out of hand - most of them depression or anger."
Asked By:  
Category: Coping And Emotional Issues

Background Info Hide
My husband has been a type 1 diabetic for 18 years. He is physically active and checks his blood sugar at least 4 times daily. He has been on the pump for the past 4 years and it has helped regulate his blood sugar.

Expert Answers (1)

10/16/09 08:57 PM

It is not uncommon for people who have diabetes to experience depression, and the metabolic instability can effect emotion like a roller coaster ride. Talking openly with a health care professional would help determine if medication could regulate any chemical imbalance associated with your husbands’ depression. Finding ways to minimize rapid fluctuation in blood glucose levels also promotes hormonal balance and decreases the chance of mood swings. Prevention of extreme blood glucose elevation without undo risk of hypoglycemia is always best. Adequate intake of essential “micro” nutrients is necessary for maintenance of emotional and physical health. And, exercise promotes emotional health, providing you are able to adequately manage blood glucose around exercise. It is also becoming more evident that care of the relational and spiritual aspects of health is equally important. Balance is Key. I would encourage you to express your concerns to your husband, in a non judgmental and affirmative manner, at a time when he is emotionally stable. Let him know why it matters to you, and how you would feel if something bad happened to him. Nagging does not help, and most always pushes your loved one away. Supportive expression of your love and respect, on the other hand, can help your husband find within himself the reasons to live and face the challenge of life with diabetes. Within a community of support and understanding, diabetes can become a source of motivation and transformation. Never Give Up. And if the medical support your husband is receiving is not adequate to meet, keep looking until you find someone who can help.
Answered By: Claire Blum
Accreditations: MS Ed, RN, CDE, CPT
Sources Show

Community Answers (1)

10/23/09 03:49 PM

In my opinion as someone who also suffers from depression attacks, it cannot be assumed that diabetes is the main cause. He may have had a genetic tendency to depression, there may be other valid causes or triggers to his depression, and of course diabetes may be accentuating everything. To someone who does not understand depression, it is easy to "find a cause" and jump at it as "the reason". There may be multiple reasons. Henry
Answered By: hemyd
FLAG
SourcesShow



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