Why Diabetes May Boost Your Risk of Depression — And How to Cope

You’ve likely heard of depression and diabetes. They’re both common medical conditions that affect millions of people around the world. But did you know they often go hand in hand? 

Depression is especially common in people living with diabetes. In fact, according to the CDC, people with diabetes are two to three times more likely to have depression than people without diabetes. And, unfortunately, less than 50% of people get the right diagnosis and treatment. 

That’s why people who have diabetes need to know about depression. Read on for more information about depression and diabetes, which symptoms to watch out for, and how to get help if you need it. After all, taking care of your mental health is a key part of managing your diabetes. 

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Why do people with diabetes have depression?

Compared with the general population, people with diabetes are more likely to become depressed. But experts don’t know for sure why this happens (more on this below).  

And the opposite is true, too. People who have depression — but not diabetes — have up to 60% higher risk of developing diabetes in the future. 

How does diabetes cause depression?

It’s not clear. Researchers don’t know yet how — or even if — diabetes causes depression. But there might be common factors that increase the risk for both, including:

• Your environment 

• Your culture and life experiences

• Your lifestyle choices

• Your immune system health

• How your body manages stress

• Your other medical conditions

Both diabetes and depression run in families. But, so far, researchers have not found a clear genetic link. 

Can diabetes affect your mental health?

Yes. Even if you’re not diagnosed with depression, living with diabetes can affect your mental health. After all, living with any long-term health condition can bring challenges. And with diabetes, keeping up with monitoring and self-care can be stressful. 

There’s research to support this, too. One study found that women whose blood sugars went up and down had more negative moods and a lower quality of life. And there’s evidence that long-lasting (chronic) stress can affect mental and physical health. 

What is ‘diabetes distress’?

Living with diabetes can feel overwhelming and even discouraging. If you sometimes feel this way, you’re not alone. The CDC even has a name for this experience: diabetes distress. It’s also sometimes called “diabetes burnout.” Up to half of people with diabetes will experience diabetes distress in an 18-month period.

Though it’s not the same as depression, diabetes distress can turn into depression in some people. And just like depression, diabetes distress can make it harder to take care of yourself and to manage your diabetes. 

What are the symptoms of depression in people with diabetes?

Depression most commonly causes sadness and a loss of interest in things you once enjoyed. But it can also affect how you handle stress, interact with others, and care for yourself. 

Common symptoms of depression include:

• Feeling sad, empty, or irritable

• Feeling less interest or enjoyment in your normal activities

• Experiencing sleep changes

• Having low energy

• Having appetite changes

• Feeling guilty or worthless

• Having trouble concentrating

• Having thoughts about death or suicide

People with diabetes who have depression might also:

• Have a hard time caring for their diabetes needs

• Not check their blood glucose regularly 

• Have more variability (highs and lows) in diabetes numbers  

• Have more episodes of severe hypoglycemia and/or diabetic ketoacidosis

• Have an elevated A1C

• Skip their diabetes medication 

Can blood sugar changes make you feel depressed?

It’s not clear. There’s some evidence that blood sugar changes can affect mood. But that evidence is not conclusive. 

In a small study of 20 people, participants with diabetes felt more depressed when they had hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Some people with diabetes also report feeling less happy during a hypoglycemic episode (low blood sugar). 

But here’s the truth: So far, there’s no clear link between mood and blood sugar in people with diabetes. More research is needed to understand whether there’s a connection. 

Can depression make your diabetes worse?

Yes. Depression can worsen diabetes care — and when your diabetes isn’t well managed, this can make depression worse, too. But here’s the good news: Taking care of one condition will often help the other. 

How do you treat depression in people with diabetes?

In people with diabetes, treatment for depression is often a combination of:

• Individual therapy

• Group therapy

• Antidepressant medications

Managing your diabetes can also help your depression get better. This means treatment of depression in people with diabetes often includes:

• Diabetes skills training

• Diabetes peer support group

• Changes to diabetes medications or management

• Lifestyle changes

When should you talk to your provider about your mental health?

If you have diabetes and have symptoms of depression, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you understand your symptoms and put together a care plan to help you feel better — both mentally and physically. 

Remember: Depression is common in people with diabetes. It’s important to take action when feelings become overwhelming and cause you, or someone you care about, to feel run down and emotionally overwhelmed. By reaching out, you can get the support you need.

Where can you get support for diabetes and depression?

It can be hard to know where to turn for help if you, or a loved one, have depression and diabetes. Here are some options for finding more information and support:

• The American Diabetes Association and American Psychology Association have a directory of healthcare professionals who are trained in mental health for people living with diabetes.  

• JDRF has an online portal with links to diabetes-related guidance and support that you may need. You’re only a click away.

• Our GoodRx guide to diabetes support groups can help you find a place to share your experiences, learn from others, and get support — either in person or over the internet. 

And remember: If you are having thoughts of suicide, help is always available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text HOME to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. 

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Jewels Doskicz, RN, BA

Jewels Doskicz, RN, BA, is an Arizona-based registered nurse with 22 years of hospital-wide clinical nursing experience and 11 years of medical writing and editing experience. She was a former healthcare content creator for a digital health tool at HealthLoop and director of clinical content operations at GetWellNetwork.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

Reviewed by:

Sarah Gupta, MD

Sarah Gupta, MD, is a licensed physician with a special interest in mental health, sex and gender, eating disorders, and the human microbiome. She is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

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