Introduction:
Psychological problems in diabetes include irritability,anxiety,low moods,inability to sleep,depression,mood swings,episodes of crying etc. These could be more with longstanding diabetes with uncontrolled blood sugar or those with complications. Balanced diet,regular physical activity ,positive support from spouse and friends,maintenance of proper control of blood sugar and blood pressure are good for psychological wellbeing.Many a times psychological counselling or psychoactive drugs are needed. Importantly, patients should be careful while taking proper medications for psychological disorders as these could result in obesity,and high blood sugar and lipid levels.
What is Stress:
Stress is the feeling when a person circumstances exceed the ability to cope. It is a physical, mental, emotional and psychological reaction to perceived danger. Stress stimulates the release of various hormones, which can result in elevated blood glucose levels. When ever prolonged period, it results in high ‘allostatic load’; derangements of hormones like adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol, which raise blood sugar levels , and in long term, increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.
Symptoms of Stress:
Many of the symptoms of stress and anxiety may overlap with symptoms of diabetes and thyroid disorders, or even some other serious underlying disease.
- Irritability
- Anxious thoughts
- Feeling of sadness and depression
- Chronic tiredness and fatigue
- Headaches, body aches and pains
- Sleeping too much or too little; early morning awakening
- Frequent bouts of crying
- Weight loss or gain
- Trouble in concentration
- Indigestion, constipation,diarrhoea
- Lack of interest in sex
- Poor performance at work or school
- Social withdrawal
Best ways to relieve stress:
- Good Food = Good Mood –
