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Psychological Effects of Adult-Onset Diabetes

Adult onset diabetes, also referred to as type 2 diabetes, is a condition in which the body no longer responds properly to the effects of insulin, a hormone that helps convert glucose into usable energy. Managing diabetes requires drastic lifestyle changes such as altering diet and adopting a steady exercise regimen. Facing these changes can be daunting and even take a toll on a person's mental health.

  1. Adult-Onset Diabetes

    • Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that removes glucose from the blood and transfers it into cells, where it is used for energy. In adult-onset (type 2) diabetes, either the body produces too little insulin to manage blood glucose levels, or the body no longer responds to insulin. The result is a buildup of glucose in the blood that must be managed through careful attention to diet and exercise or, if that is not sufficient to control glucose levels, medication or insulin injections might be necessary. Adult onset diabetes typically occurs in people older than 45 years of age, although it can occur at any time. People who are overweight, physically inactive or have a family history of diabetes are at increased risk of developing diabetes. Additionally, those who have a condition called prediabetes, which is an elevated blood glucose level that is not high enough to meet the criteria for diabetes, are also at increased risk for the condition.

    Psychological Effects

    • Adults newly diagnosed with diabetes must face changing their lifestyle while they adjust to living with a chronic condition. Because weight and physical activity are two risk factors for adult onset diabetes, the diagnosis often causes feelings of guilt, shame and anger. A diabetes diagnosis might be viewed as a symbol of weakness for failing to maintain a healthy weight and activity level. Patients might blame their families for allowing them to continue unhealthy habits. Diabetes is also associated with mood swings as insulin levels fluctuate. Patients might make rash decisions or unleash emotional outbursts and later forget the incident. Patients are often unaware of their emotional instability.

    Depression

    • As with any chronic health condition, diabetes is associated with depression. Guilt and self-blame for diabetes are often the basis for depression, which can range from slightly depressed mood to major depression. The stress of facing a lifelong condition compounds the patient's feeling of depression, plus stress stimulates insulin production and can interfere with the effects of medications.

    Cognitive Effects

    • Adult-onset diabetes has been linked to impaired cognitive functioning. A Canadian study published in the journal "Neuropsychology" concluded that people with diabetes had difficulties in certain types of tasks, when the patients were compared with adults who did not have diabetes. The impaired performance was unrelated to age, suggesting that the decline in function occurred shortly after diabetes developed.

    Psychological Effect on Treatment

    • The psychological aspects of diabetes directly affect compliance with treatment recommendations. This only creates a downward spiral as poorly controlled diabetes can worsen the psychological effects. Patients who are angry might also be in denial and refuse to accept the diagnosis and necessary lifestyle changes. Patients who are depressed tend to neglect their medications or not follow treatment advice.

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