Diabetes and depression

[Maidz]

How many of you have suffered with depression? What's your story? How old? What treatment etc x

 

[steveo4]

I have suffered from depression now for 5 years and I am a type one diabetic. I take sertraline tablets but don't think they r working I still get ever changing moods and feel that I have no control over how I feel

 

[Juicyj]

Hiya, yes got pretty low in the first year after diagnosis, not helped with swinging high and low which my doc kindly pointed out had a direct relationship with my moods. Being diabetic does have a direct impact in moods, anti- depressants mask it, it's best to find coping strategies to manage moods or look at diet and try eating foods which stabilise blood sugars, however do remember your not alone.

 

[Maidz]

I'm also on sertraline steveo4. But like Juicyj says, it just masks it. They do help but having diabetes still gets me down My sugars are all over the place so I asked for an insulin pump (almost 2 years ago) but my consultant keeps avoiding the pump and changing my insulin injections so frustrating.
Are u type 1 or type 2 Juicyj? X

 

[Brunneria]

Yup, in my teens, then 20s, then again (mildly) recently.
Never been medicated.

This last time, several wonderful people on here suggested Vit D deficiency. I paid for a private test. Was deficient. Supplemented. And it is wonderful what a difference it has made.

 

[Maidz]

Might have to look into that Brunneria. So it helps with low moods? X

 

[Brunneria]

Might have to look into that Brunneria. So it helps with low moods? X

Depression is definitely linked to Vit D deficiency, and Vit D deficiency is widespread, especially in climates like the UK. But it definitely isn't the answer to everything!

Have a google about Vit D and deficiency.

UK Doctors can sometimes be persuaded to do a vit D blood test, but as the request becomes more popular, and the word gets out, some Docs are refusing, because of the cost. And someone on this forum once posted to say that the lab had rejected the doctor's request, due to work pressure.

I ended up ordering my own test kit (from an NHS lab that takes private orders too).

If you decide to go that route, have a good read of the test assay method and result. There are different tests, and some are more informative. I can give you the link to my choice of lab, if you want.

 

[Maidz]

Yes please if you don't mind. It's got to be worth a shot. Thanks for your help x

 

[Brunneria]

Here you go
http://www.vitamindtest.org.uk/index.html

I bought 2 tests, used one, and have one in reserve for another test in the winter, when Vit D levels are usually low. It will show me if my supplementation is working as planned.

 

[Juicyj]

I'm also on sertraline steveo4. But like Juicyj says, it just masks it. They do help but having diabetes still gets me down My sugars are all over the place so I asked for an insulin pump (almost 2 years ago) but my consultant keeps avoiding the pump and changing my insulin injections so frustrating.
Are u type 1 or type 2 Juicyj? X

Hiya Maidz - i'm a type 1, what are you ?

I find it's the relentless effort of it all - I used to be pretty carefree but having type 1 has definately grounded me ! It has made me change my life and I know alot of people say that it doesn't do that for them, but i've had to change jobs as I was on the go all the time and having hypos in meetings and that was making me anxious, I now have a boring office job on a much lower wage but at least I can monitor my health easier that way.

I try a bit of meditation as that relaxes me alot, also exercise is good for releasing some endorphins, I think being more aware of being in the present is so important in life today, living for the moment, rather than fretting about the future or living in the past, and switching off from technology every once in a while

 

[Mr_H]

I have depression and Anxiety been on most of the Anti depressants apart from the group that you have to watch diet with None have worked But my Dr is starting me on a new anti depressant was made recent called agomelatine due to start it friday hope it helps .

 

[Zina81]

I'm on setralin since 2 years. Works wonders for me (I know I'm lucky like that and that many don't respond well to them). But I'm wondering how much of depression in Diabetics is due to having a chronic disease and how much can be linked to any chemical changes. Does anyone have any information on this? Cheers!

 

[Davidcilia]

I am a diabetic.with chronic depressions.chronic panic attacks..chronic anxiety ...for the past 20 years...I had depression first...diabetes come 7 years later...then my depression got really bad in turned into chronic depressions and all the rest followed....xxxx

 

[ButtterflyLady]

I have depression and Anxiety been on most of the Anti depressants apart from the group that you have to watch diet with None have worked But my Dr is starting me on a new anti depressant was made recent called agomelatine due to start it friday hope it helps .

Thanks for mentioning this drug as it's the first time I've heard of it and I will be asking my doctor about it. I've tried numerous drugs for depression and currently take venlafaxine, which seems effective but has side effects that I take another drug to control.

I hope this drug helps you and doesn't have bad side effects.

 

[jillspittles]

Yup, in my teens, then 20s, then again (mildly) recently.
Never been medicated.

This last time, several wonderful people on here suggested Vit D deficiency. I paid for a private test. Was deficient. Supplemented. And it is wonderful what a difference it has made.

My 14 year old son who's type 1 has been suffering for 3 years now. Finally started councelling 3 weeks ago.
The psychiatric Dr requested a vit d test which was refused ill check out your link. Thanks x

 

[ButtterflyLady]

My 14 year old son who's type 1 has been suffering for 3 years now. Finally started councelling 3 weeks ago.
The psychiatric Dr requested a vit d test which was refused ill check out your link. Thanks x

three years. Glad he is finally getting some help. Did the doctor discuss meds at all? There are some safety issues with using them if you're under 25, but these are not insurmountable. I know 14 is young for meds, but I have heard of people that age being prescribed them, and carefully monitored, of course. I hope things get better soon for him.

 

[flozac]

I have had type 1 for 37 years. 12 years ago I had a very acute and serious episode of depression and anxiety. I was hospitalised and had, anti depressants,antipsychotics, ECT, and much much more. I was ill for about 18months in total. It eventually made a full recovery thanks to the excellent mental health team I had.

They did not know why it happened and said it was purely clinical. Having diabetes, going through the menopause and possibly the stress of my job as a midwife were given as possible contributing factors.

 

[Maidz]

Did you try counselling flozac? Are you ok now? Are you on injections or the pump? X

 

[Maidz]

I hope that shrink got fired oldnevada!!

 

[Blackers183]

Yup, in my teens, then 20s, then again (mildly) recently.
Never been medicated.

This last time, several wonderful people on here suggested Vit D deficiency. I paid for a private test. Was deficient. Supplemented. And it is wonderful what a difference it has made.

I agree with the VitD issue, my specialist noticed I was low on tests and are now taking 2 tablets a day. I'm a computer cyclist but in doors for most of the working day. I was very surprised how much better I felt taking the tablets though, life outlook lifted a bit.
David
Australia