Diabetes doesn't just impact your physical health; it can have a direct effect on your emotional well-being. 1 "Diabetes distress" affects about 1 in 3 people living with type 2 diabetes. 2 This term specifically refers to the emotional struggles that come with managing the condition. These include the need for constant monitoring and treatment, concerns about potential complications, and the strain diabetes can place on personal and work relationships. 1 Diabetes distress has been linked to a higher A1C than in someone with less stress, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. 1 Stress itself can also trigger the release of certain hormones, which may impact blood glucose levels. 3,4

"Psychological insulin resistance" is a common reaction to the need to start insulin, often stemming from the belief that needing insulin signifies failure and worsening disease. People who experience psychological insulin resistance may be afraid of injections or doubt their ability to manage their blood glucose with insulin.1

People who have recently been diagnosed with diabetes may be in denial and therefore avoid treatment, increasing their risk of complications and ultimately contributing to emotional distress. 1,7 However, you must remember that you are not alone, and your healthcare team is here to help you manage living with diabetes, including mental health conditions should they arise.

Physical trauma, including head injuries and burns, can lead to elevated blood glucose levels due to the body's hypermetabolic response to stress. This rise in blood sugar is more than just a stress marker, it has been linked to various complications that can impact recovery.8

While early studies suggested that strict glucose control could improve outcomes, the relationship between trauma-induced hyperglycemia and patient health is complex. Maintaining blood sugar at very low levels can increase the risk of hypoglycemia, which is particularly concerning for individuals with brain injuries. Research indicates that a moderate glucose range (120 to 150 mg/dL) may offer a balance between managing hyperglycemia and avoiding the risks associated with low blood sugar.8

For patients with traumatic injuries, burns, or head trauma, admission hyperglycemia has been associated with worse outcomes.8

It is vital to monitor blood glucose levels, the CONTOUR NEXT^®GEN blood glucose meter can be an essential tool for managing your blood glucose.

Depression is more common among people with diabetes compared with the general population. 7 Depression has also been associated with worse glycemic control3. Signs of depression include:7

• Feeling tired most of the time.
• Changes in sleep and eating disorder habits
• Trouble with decision making
• Feelings of hopelessness
  

Diabetes and depression share a close and complex relationship, while it does not directly cause depression, several factors intertwine to make this connection significant.

Chronic high blood sugar and metabolic imbalances can alter brain chemistry in ways that lead to depressive symptoms. The ongoing challenges of managing diabetes, including lifestyle adjustments and treatment burdens, can lead to emotional stress. Inflammatory responses and dysregulation of stress hormones are common in diabetes and can impact mood and mental health. Conversely, depression can foster poor lifestyle choices that increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.10