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Real members of DiabetesTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Is there any relationship between depression and diabetes?

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Woonsocket, RI

My mild depression has been getting worse over the past few months. When I get out of bed it is late morning or early afternoon. It is always [early]morning when I get to sleep. This routine started within the past 6 months and I can't seem to get out of it. I have tried getting up early, going to bed earlier. I can't seem to make myself move more. I don't think my diet is any different. Any suggestions?

September 3
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A DiabetesTeam Member

The "well established connection" between Diabetes and Depression comment from AI is maybe a little misleading

Depression does not Cause Diabetes and Diabetes does not Cause Depression directly but like with Many Major Chronic Diseases upwards of 65% of individuals with that Chronic Disease will experience Depression that is at least "associated with/their reaction to"

Bottom line, you are not Doomed to Depression Just Because you are Diabetic - they are two separate disorders which may make each of them worse or more challenging but there are Different Doctors and individual drug treatments for each of them independantly

September 4
A DiabetesTeam Member

Most people have so-so days or even bad days.

Many people can let their circumstances get to them.

They can even get depressed.
Some can even climb out of this. Especially with help.

A good psychologist can benefit many people. Counseling can help. Don't be afraid to seek help.

If you seek and accept help when you need help. Then you are strong.

They say attitude is key.

September 4
A DiabetesTeam Member

Yes, definitely

September 4
DiabetesTeam

Yes, there is a well-established connection between diabetes and depression. People living with diabetes are actually twice as likely to experience depression compared to those without diabetes. It can feel like a frustrating cycle — and you're definitely not alone in experiencing this. As one DiabetesTeam member shared Show Full Answer

Yes, there is a well-established connection between diabetes and depression. People living with diabetes are actually twice as likely to experience depression compared to those without diabetes. It can feel like a frustrating cycle — and you're definitely not alone in experiencing this. As one DiabetesTeam member shared, "Sometimes, it's just too much. I feel like my whole life is revolving around health issues." That kind of emotional exhaustion is very real and very common. The sleep pattern you're describing — staying up until early morning and sleeping late into the day — is a common sign that depression may be deepening. Some factors that can worsen depression in people with diabetes include:

- Poor or disrupted sleep
- Lack of physical movement
- Chronic stress related to diabetes management
- Feelings of isolation or burnout Here are some approaches that may help break the cycle:

- Talk to your doctor — they can assess whether your depression needs more direct treatment alongside your diabetes management
- Therapy or counseling — even short-term talk therapy has been shown to improve mood, thinking, and overall physical function
- Any movement counts — it doesn't have to be structured exercise; even a short walk outside can release mood-boosting endorphins
- Small gratitude practices — as one DiabetesTeam member suggested, trying to identify just one thing to be grateful for each day can help shift perspective Given that this has been going on for six months and is getting worse, reaching out to a healthcare provider soon would be a really important step. Managing both your diabetes and your mental health together leads to much better outcomes overall.

September 3

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