A Newer Perspective on Diabetes and Depression

Specific lifestyle factors increase the risk of developing both diabetes and depression, whether it be from a sedentary lifestyle to choosing the wrong kind of food products. People that are predisposed to developing these conditions are prone to eating food rich in saturated fats, or fast sugars. They often consume less of fresh fruits and vegetables.

People diagnosed with depression and diabetes are less likely to stick to the medical recommendations. They may not take medications as prescribed by the doctor and are less likely to exercise and be involved with self-care. It has been shown that even mild depression would lead to substantially reduced adherence to healthy lifestyle and treatment of diabetes.

It is a vicious circle. Depression in diabetes leads to poor adherence and self-care, which worsens both depression and diabetes even further.