Diabetes: is it making people depressed?
Diabetes affects more than 2 million of us and new research shows that checking blood sugar levels regularly could be making many sufferers depressed.
What's all the fuss about?
Diabetes normally just affects your blood sugar, but a recent report published in the British Medical Journal suggests that thousands of diabetics in the UK could be making themselves depressed by measuring their blood sugar levels.
But checking blood sugar levels is important, isn't it?
Well, yes, it's very important and it's how most diabetics know if their diabetes is under control. The research is suggesting that lots of people who have Type 2 diabetes may be needlessly checking their blood sugar levels and putting their health at risk.
Why don't doctors make the checks?
In recent years, there has been a big push to encourage patients who don't treat themselves with insulin to test themselves. The majority of people with Type 2 diabetes do not need insulin, but are advised to monitor regularly their own blood sugar levels .
So how is this making people depressed?
Researchers reckon that regularly checking blood sugar levels without any clear improvement or benefit could be making some diabetics feel down and making their quality of life worse.
How many people have diabetes in the UK?
Around 2 million people suffer with diabetes and the majority of them have Type 2 diabetes, which can usually be improved with diet and exercise changes.
What should I do, if I think I'm affected?
Zoe Harrison from Diabetes UK has this advice: 'If you currently check your own blood sugar levels, carry on doing whatever you're doing. 95% of diabetes is down to self care and it's important to remember that everyone's diabetes is different - checking blood sugar levels should be done on a case-by-case basis.'
- Read last weeks' big issue: Hayfever - is it worse than ever?
More help and advice
- Advice on preventing Type 2 diabetes
- Get all the facts about diabetes
- What is Type 2 diabetes?
- Real-life story: 'Small changes count with diabetes'
- What are the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes?
- Find help and advice for depression
By Rob Mansfield
Share this article
Find out more
Get to more facts
Find expert help
Your stories & tips
Quick Tips
- Be the first to share a tip on this subject, click here
Lisa Marie Fiddy, 6 months [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
I totally agree with this comment. It is depressing and it does change your life to a certain extent because to be able to do your bloodsugars properly you have to remember to take your meter with you every where you go and then its almost all you think about when you are out so I couldnt agree more with you.