Older Adults with Depression More Likely to have Diabetes

Seniors must be careful. It has been found out in studies that older adults with depression are more likely to develop diabetes than those who have no depression. The longer the depression has been staying, the bigger the possibility.

Some older people who have experienced depression are most likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Along with depression comes trouble in sleeping and irritability. According to studies, about two million adults have experienced depression, 15.3 percent of those more than 65 have diabetes.

What studies have found

On 24 April 2007, older people who have symptoms and signs of depression – even if those symptoms occur only once, have great possibilities to develop diabetes than those who have not. However, there are few exemptions. The majority of the studies have defined symptoms and signs of depression based on a single study filled out by participants. Diabetes likely occurs when the symptoms and signs of depression or when depression has been present for a longer time.

The older the person and the longer the depression has been staying are very dangerous signs that forerun diabetes.

It is far better to have not suffered depression at all. Older adults, senior citizens and the baby boomers (who already have aged these days), should be extra careful on the depression-diabetes combination, as it is destructive.

Some ways to avoid depression

Depression is something that needs to be avoided not just for older adults or senior citizens but for everyone as well. We can avoid depression by offering goodwill to others or make others happy (because we cannot be happy by making others miserable), controlling our thoughts to be directed to the positive ones only, keeping busy, avoiding feelings of guilt, living a balanced life, not basing our happiness to other people and sharing problems to others.

When Diabetes in Senior Citizens Causes Depression – How Can We Help

Becoming a senior citizen can be challenging and disheartening at the same time. That is why most elderly people develop depression. We hear that because the body is ageing, more illnesses come. That is the most challenging part. Worse, an elderly with diabetes may make treatment difficult

Growing old to be senior citizens can be scary especially with the presence of diabetes. Diabetes is a type of disease that needs to be taken cared of because it can lead to pain, depression, disability and even death. It also damages the kidneys, eyes, heart, nerves, gums, teeth and many other parts of the body. Managing diabetes means changing eating habits and lifestyle to a healthier one. Patients with diabetes need to be in control. Yet, how can they be in control if they are depressed?

How shall we know depression is present

Diabetic senior citizens having depression is a devastating situation. Depression can be associated with poor blood glucose control. Some signs that depression is already happening is when diabetic senior citizens have poor behaviors when it comes to self-care, depression most likely is already happening. Examples are skipping medications, not going to medical appointments, not exercising, overeating or drinking alcohol.

They may also have negative changes in thinking, appetite, sleep, energy, mood, relationships and distressing self-worth; affecting family, work and other functions. They may even go for acts of self-harm or suicide.

How can we help

Examine the lifestyle of the diabetic senior citizen. Check for stresses that maybe present and try to eliminate them for him as much as you can. Encourage relaxation such as prayer, meditation and yoga. Make sure that he has enough sleep and exercise.

Be more patient and sensitive to the needs of the patient. He needs your understanding, help and support more than ever.