When you’re suffering from diabetes, you might not think about the connection between this condition and your mental health and wellbeing. People who have diabetes are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, but many may not even realize that these are so closely linked. Luckily, there are several things you can do to start making positive changes that will impact your health.
Take Steps to Reduce Stress
Living with any health condition such as diabetes can cause more stress and worry on a daily basis. Taking steps to reduce your stress levels can have a positive impact and help you to feel better both physically and mentally.
When you feel stressed, hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are released within the body. Too much of these stress hormones can affect the way your body deals with insulin, which is one of the key problems with diabetes. The more stressed you are, the harder it is for your body to manage insulin properly, which can worsen insulin resistance and other diabetes-related problems.
Some of the things you can do to reduce stress may include setting aside some time each day to relax or meditate, going outdoors for a gentle walk, or avoiding work outside of office hours.
Eat the Best Foods for You
Everybody needs nourishing foods to help their bodies and minds get the right levels of nutrition. Falling into bad habits when it comes to food and drink choices can be easy, especially with so much temptation around us. However, with conditions like diabetes, it is even more important to make sure you’re putting the right things into your body that will nourish you.
Leafy greens, avocados, seeds and nuts, and foods rich in protein such as fatty fish and beans will provide your body and mind with some of the densest nutrition available. Choose lean and whole cuts of meat over processed or overly fatty meats, and try to include more vegetables and greens in your diet each day. Eat small and balanced meals throughout the day to help keep your blood sugar levels regulated.
Avoid Too Much Sugar
One of the key things to remember when managing diabetes is the importance of regulating your blood sugar levels. Too much sugar can cause chaos for anybody, but especially for someone struggling with diabetes or a pre-diabetic condition. In fact, high sugar diets can lead to worsening mental health, particularly when the diet lacks key vitamins and nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods. The presence of too much sugar can cause chemical imbalances in the brain, leading to a higher risk of depression and other problems.
Be Kind to Yourself
Managing your diabetes and looking after your wellbeing will take time and effort, but as you feel better you will gain more energy and willpower to keep going. As you start to see the benefits of the positive changes you are implementing, you won’t want to stop!
Consider visiting a psychiatrist or therapist if you feel that you need help with improving your health and wellbeing. Advantage Mental Health Center can help with treatments to overcome common problems or addictions which could be making life with diabetes more difficult to manage.
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