Are Diabetes and Depression Linked?

Studies show that depression and diabetes may be linked.

Hi, I’m Dr. Griffin Rodgers, Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at NIH.

Even though we don’t know whether depression increases the risk of diabetes or diabetes increases the risk of depression, we do know that dealing with more than one health problem can be hard. Feeling sad, hopeless, restless, or tired all the time are just a few symptoms of depression.

Poor control of diabetes can cause symptoms that look like depression. During the day, high or low blood sugar may make you feel tired or anxious. Low blood sugar can lead to hunger and eating too much, and at night, can disturb your sleep, and it’s a vicious cycle.

You’re not alone. If you’ve been feeling really sad, down in the dumps, or very tired, talk to your doctor.

For more information, follow us @NIDDKgov. This is Dr. Griffin Rodgers.