Diabetes Disorders The psyche also suffers

Diabetics often suffer from the burden of disease

More than seven and a half million people in Germany suffer from diabetes. For many of those affected, the disease is such a heavy burden that their quality of life is severely curtailed. These patients are therefore at particular risk of developing depression. Therefore, sufferers should seek medical advice.

Lifelong attention required

About 7.6 million Germans are diabetic. Although the disease can be well controlled in a large proportion of diabetes patients without medication, many have to take medicines or inject insulin, measure blood sugar and pay attention to their diet. Because of the lifelong attention that chronic disease requires from those affected, it is often perceived as a burden that limits the quality of life. Therefore, diabetics are particularly at risk of developing depression. Patients are therefore advised to seek medical advice.

Many diabetics must take their entire life medication or inject insulin, measure blood sugar and pay attention to their diet. Due to the constant attention required by the disease, it is often felt by those affected as a massive burden. (Image: Printemps / fotolia.com)

In diabetics, depression is twice as common

The dark and gloomy autumn days strike many people on the mind. However, in people with a chronic condition, such as diabetes, depression can also be the cause of depression.

This is particularly obvious when symptoms such as sadness, loss of interest and listlessness last not only a few days, but even weeks or months.

About 12 percent of people with diabetes suffer from clinical depression, according to a statement from the nonprofit organization diabetesDE - German Diabetes Aid.

Another 18 percent are burdened by depressive moods.

"In people with diabetes, depression is twice as common as in healthy people," said psychologist Dr. med. phil. Berthold Maier from the Diabetes Center Mergentheim in Bad Mergentheim.

"The daily effort that diabetic patients have to perform throughout their lives to ensure a good metabolism requires great discipline and motivation. This pressure can be very stressful in the long term, "says the expert.

Stress in other areas of life and the social environment also influence how much the illness is perceived as stressful.

As a result, depression can develop.

Get medical advice

According to the psychologist, depression manifests itself in very different ways.

"In addition to deep depression, courage and hopelessness sufferers often suffer from anxiety, as well as sleep disorders or physical pain."

Therefore, it is important to recognize and treat both increased depression and depression early.

In time, mental illness is easily treatable, Maier emphasizes: "Antidepressants, a behavioral therapy or a combination of both are used."

Psychotherapy can help patients to better accept their condition and improve both the quality of life and the prognosis of diabetes.

But many people find it difficult to be open about this topic. Maier advises diabetic patients not to taboo symptoms of depression, but to talk to their family doctor or diabetologist about it. (Ad)