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Symptoms of Overlap Diabetes & Depression

Many disorders have overlapping symptoms which can sometimes make a diagnosis difficult. Depression and diabetes have some overlapping symptoms, and depression can even be a symptom of diabetes. However, diabetes and depression are different enough that a licensed physician should be able to tell the difference after checking the symptoms and running a few tests.

  1. Weight Loss

    • Weight loss can be a symptom of both diabetes and depression. This does not mean just losing a few pounds, but rather a significant weight loss. The weight loss must also occur without an actual attempt to diet or increase exercise for it to be considered a symptom of either condition. With depression, weight loss is usually accompanied by a lack of appetite, which is the cause of the change in weight.

    Fatigue

    • Fatigue is another symptom shared by those with diabetes and depression. This general lack of energy must be significant enough to impair some part of your everyday life in order for it to be considered a symptom. In other words you may be so fatigued that you have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning or staying awake. The fatigue experienced by both disorders is similar and can be hard to distinguish.

    Irritability

    • Irritability can have a couple of different interpretations. You can be snappish or resentful toward others--in other words, externalizing your irritability. You can also have internalized irritability, where you feel restless and uncomfortable. Those suffering from depression more commonly internalize irritability and take it out on themselves--though in some cases they may take it out on others as well. Those with diabetes can have either type, as they are experiencing it as a result of low blood sugar.

    Distinguishing Symptoms

    • Though there are a few symptoms that overlap, diabetes and depression are very different and have some very different symptoms as well. Additional symptoms of diabetes include blurry vision, frequent urination, excessive thirst and extreme hunger. Usually these symptoms will change based on sugar levels. Other symptoms of depression include a generally depressed mood, suicidal thoughts, hopelessness, anxiety, worthlessness and sometimes insomnia. In depression these symptoms don't seem to be related to any particular event and can persist even when pleasant events occur.

    Tests

    • There is no way to test for depression other than to rule out any physical causes. In fact, some doctors may screen for diabetes before diagnosing depression. The initial test to check for diabetes is usually a fasting blood sugar test. You won't be allowed to eat for several hours prior to having your blood drawn so your blood sugar levels can be tested accurately. If your levels register as too high you will be given a preliminary diagnosis of diabetes pending further tests.

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