Know someone with diabetes who gets irritated without any rhyme or reason? And it’s hard to guess what triggered the mood swing.
It is a common symptom of the condition just like muscle ache is for fever and flu.
‘The brain needs glucose to function at its optimum. Changes in the blood sugar level affect the ability of the brain making one prone to mood swings. Lack of glucose or excess of it can disrupt the functions of the brain,’ says Dr Pradeep Gadge, Diabetologist, Shreya’s Diabetic Clinic, Mumbai.
Why it happens:
Moods swings affect both type I and type II diabetics alike. It is difficult to say whether diabetes triggers mood swings or living with diabetes makes you moody. ‘Fluctuations in blood glucose level leads to change in levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and 5HT. When this happens it makes one prone mood swings and then to anxiety and depression, in the long run,’ explain Dr Gadge. It cannot be ignored that hormonal changes that happen due to diabetes could also be a reason for a gloomy mood.
The longer you have been a diabetic, the more you are prone to mood swings and depression. ‘Younger patients also suffer from a lot of stress either due to the condition or other problems. This leads to hormonal imbalances that lead to deteriorating mental health,’ says Dr Gadge.
Getting the facts right:
For a diabetic, life is an ongoing challenge. ‘Insulin, proper diet and lifestyle modification is what helps one manage the condition. One can follow a diet pattern, medication and lifestyle changes for one day or 10 days at a stretch. Beyond that, it just takes a toll on the person, and this could lead to mood swings,’ says Dr Gadge.
When there is a drop in blood sugar, people find it difficult to concentrate or make a simple decision. One tends to become gloomy and can explode during an interaction or collapse into tears.
An increase in blood glucose level can be equally dangerous. When this happens, one tends to become slow in actions make more mistakes feel lethargic and lazy. These symptoms along with the external stimuli influence one’s mood drastically.
The bottom line is that any change in the blood sugar levels dictates one’s mood to a great extent.
Managing moods:
Since mood swings can also affect one’s quality of life and that of the family members, here are few things that can be done to counter it.
Manage glucose levels: ‘This is easier said than done. But if the patient skips medication or does not follow the right diet, mood swings are inevitable due to the fluctuations in blood sugar level,’ says Dr Gadge.
Express your emotions: Mood swings are more evident when one fails to express pent up emotions. So whether it is feeling low or inability to concentrate, it is better to talk and express it. If that doesn’t help, writing notes to yourself even on your phone’s notepad can also do the trick. Social interactions can also help in managing moods and emotions.
Keep moving: Exercise is an excellent way to help manage diabetes and keep mood swings at bay. Walking, jogging, aerobics all help to control sugar levels and have an effect on the cognitive function of the brain too.
Practice mindful meditation: It is extremely helpful for mood management. It helps to focus on the present moment – observe events, thoughts, feelings and body sensations — without judging them. This helps you become more objective and less emotionally involved.
Why should one worry?
For a diabetic, mood can be affected every minute of the day. Uncontrolled mood swings can make one stop taking care of self completely. This will make glucose levels go haywire and affect the functioning of the brain. This is also a reason diabetics are prone to develop depression or other kinds of mental illness in future.
So, if you are feeling blue and suffer from diabetes, get up and take charge of life. Don’t let the blues take charge of you.
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