Contributed by: Healthians Team
Introduction
Did you know that 77 million people have diabetes in India, which is expected to rise to over 134 million by 2045?
Diabetes not only affects the pancreas but also affects mood and mental health too. One of the effects of having too high or too low blood glucose levels is mood swings.
It’s crucial to periodically assess your mental health since managing diabetes on a daily basis can occasionally feel burdensome and forgetful.
Understanding and adhering to your diabetes management plan is one method to control your mood.
Your blood sugar’s highs and lows, which can lead to mood swings, will be tempered by doing this.
If you are exhibiting signs of anxiety, despair, or burnout, you may need to speak with a mental health expert.
Your overall health is just as important to managing your mental health as it is to following your diabetes treatment plan.
Mood swings, stress, anxiety, anger and diabetes
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) states that every person has a different blood sugar goal range. Target ranges typically are:
- Before a meal, consume 80 to 130 milligrammes per deciliter (ml/dl)
- Several hours after eating, 180 ml/dl or lower
- Numbers within or outside of your intended range may be the cause of shifting emotions
If your blood sugar is high or low, you could notice that you feel weird and that returning it to the correct range immediately makes you feel better.
It’s crucial to check your blood sugar when you feel a specific way because you can see a pattern in your emotions whether it is low or high.
For instance, having low blood sugar levels might make you feel like:
- Confused
- Nervous
- Hungry
- Irritable
- Shaky
- Jittery
- Tired
- Sweaty
You can experience the following symptoms if your blood sugar levels are high:
- Tense
- Angry
- Sad
- Foggy
- Fuzzy
- Thirsty
- Tired
- Nervous
- Lethargic
It’s critical to maintain the greatest level of blood glucose stability. Always carry a fast-acting supply of carbs with you if you use insulin or a sulfonylurea.
Feelings of being overburdened and diabetes burnout can result from the stress of receiving a diabetes diagnosis as well as the stress of treating diabetes over time. The following are a few causes of stress:
- You can experience poor physical health
- You can be worried about the management strategy, which includes the daily schedule, lifestyle changes, and medications.
- Being treated for the rest of your life can be extremely overwhelming.
How to manage diabetes and anger?
There are several strategies to simplify managing your diabetes and lower your risk of developing mood swings, stress, depression, or another mental health disorder.
Try the following approaches to managing diabetes:
Maintain your diabetes treatment schedule
Your doctor’s recommended treatment regimen probably calls for regular blood glucose checks, medication, and lifestyle modifications. You should stick to the regimen.
Frequently check your blood sugar levels
Keep an eye out for high and low readings. Keep track of any unexpected readings so you can alert your doctor if necessary.
If your results are higher or lower than you would anticipate, try these blood sugar boosting or lowering techniques.
Automate your strategy
Set a timer on your phone to alert you when it’s time to take your prescriptions or check your blood sugar.
By doing so, you can maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent forgetting crucial elements of your strategy.
Make a food plan
If you have diabetes, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is crucial. Make a shopping list based on your favourite diabetic-friendly meals for the next week.
If it will be simpler to stick to your meal plan throughout the hectic week, prepare meals in advance.
Seek assistance
You could find that managing a new diabetes management plan on your own is too challenging, or you might discover that a situation in your life has made it harder for you to follow your plan.
Many strategies exist for getting back on track:
- Consult your doctor if you need help
- Search for a diabetic educator
- Enrol in a diabetes management course
- Locate a support group and go there
- Discuss diabetes with loved ones and friends so they can help you
Final thoughts
If you have diabetes, you could frequently experience stress, mood fluctuations, or even sadness. Maintain your management strategy and keep your blood sugar in a healthy range to lessen your risk of developing these mental health disorders.
Never be afraid to ask for support with your diabetes management or to talk about your mental health with family, friends, or mental health professionals.
Furthermore, you should also frequently opt for diabetes screening. This health check can provide you with a comprehensive insight into the state of your condition and overall health, allowing you to take necessary precautions to stay at the top of your health.
