People who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes tend to be depressed more than healthy people. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry, depression is not only a problem in itself but can be linked with other mental problems.
Researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle, United States, tested 2977 diabetics for depression and the presence of mental decline. It was found depressed people were at risk for at least three kinds of mental decline over a period of a little over 3 years...
- memory,
- learning, and
- overcoming distractions
were all areas in which depressed people showed decline. The decline was the same regardless of what medications patients were taking or their risk of heart disease.
Written tests and oral questions are often used to diagnose clinical depression. Two important questions are often asked. In the past month have you been feeling generally sad or hopeless? In the past month have you had little interest in doing things you used to enjoy?
If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of depression, then your doctor could perform tests to discover whether they are due to a physical condition, such as hypothyroidism, a fairly common cause for feeling slowed down and losing interest. Thyroid testing takes only a few teaspoons of blood. Other tests that might be performed include:
- brain scans to make sure you don't have a brain tumor,
- electrocardiograms (EKG) to diagnose possible heart problems, and
- an electroencephalogram (EEG) to find abnormal electrical activity that could indicate a stroke.
When depression is not caused by other health problems, medications in conjunction with psychotherapy can go a long way toward alleviating it. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are two classes of drugs commonly prescribed.
The transmagnetic stimulation device (TMS) can be used to stimulate electrical activity in the front of the brain, where emotions are controlled. Unlike shock treatment, it does not require sedation and can be done on an outpatient basis.
For mild to moderate depression the herb St. John's Wort has been shown to be effective. The herb interacts with various medications, so ask your doctor before starting it.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are found in the brain, and a diet low in this nutrient can be associated with depression. Nutritional algae tablets and soy milk are good sources of omega-3s.
- Sam-e is related to the amino acid methionine. It is believed to act much like the SSRI's.
- Folate, also called folic acid or vitamin B9, is thought to help certain kinds of antidepressants. Again, ask your doctor before taking B vitamin supplements with antidepressants. Green leafy vegetables and fruits are good sources of folate.
Depression is not something you just have to live with, so seek help if you need it.
Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. By making easy changes to your daily routine, its possible to protect your heart, kidneys, eyes and limbs from the damage often caused by diabetes, and eliminate some of the complications you may already experience.
For nearly 25 years Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body. Go to http://DrugFreeType2Diabetes.com to learn about some of those secrets.
The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.
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