Depression, diabetes, and kidney disease are all related. They occur together often.

Depression is a treatable condition just like diabetes and kidney disease.

Depression can be made worse by diabetes. They can both contribute to the disease.

Black and Latinx communities have a higher chance of developing kidney disease, as well as higher rates of diabetes and depression. One reason for this may be inequities in healthcare.

Understanding the connection between depression and diabetes can help you protect yourself.

Depression and diabetes can occur together. The challenge of living with diabetes can make it hard to manage it.

There’s also a link between depression and diabetes-related blood vessel changes in the brain, according to research.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that people living with diabetes are two to three times more likely to experience depression than those without.

People who participate in treatment for depression often experience benefits.

Depression symptoms include:

  • You lost interest in activities you used to enjoy.
  • There is sadness or emptiness.
  • fatigue recurring
  • appetite changes
  • sleep disruption
  • There are physical signs like headaches and bowel changes.
  • Problems concentrating
  • Mood changes.
  • thoughts of death or suicide

Seek medical help immediately if you’re considering acting on suicidal thoughts. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 800-273-8255.

Depression treatment with medication and therapy is often successful.

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes increase the chance of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Around 1 in 3 adults who live with diabetes also have CKD.

Diabetes can cause issues that can lead to chronic disease.

  • high blood sugar.
  • high blood pressure.
  • high cholesterol

It begins with persistently high blood sugar., which can stiffen and damage your blood vessel walls. This increases blood pressure.

High blood sugar can cause changes to your cholesterol levels.

If your blood sugar, pressure, and cholesterol are too high, it can affect the blood vessels that supply your kidneys. This can cause a serious problem.

Adding depression to the equation increases your chance of developing chronic disease of the kidneys.

A 2016 study of U.S. veterans with diabetes found that those who lived with co-occurring depression had a 20 percent higher chance of developing chronic kidney disease. Depression in the study participants also increased their chance of all causes of death.

A 2021 study examined the effect of depression on existing kidney disease. It followed 486 people with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, grouped according to their level of depression. The study found that depression increased the chance of progression to end stage renal disease by 12.4 percent for mild depression, and 45.1 percent for severe.

Even though diabetes makes life more challenging, there are still ways to manage depression.

Depression treatment

Many people living with depression get relief from therapy and medication. You can try both.

Therapy teaches you how to manage your thoughts. It is easier to practice self-care with medication.

Lifestyle changes

Creating healthy routines can positively impact your mental health. Getting regular Exercise. and eating healthy are two examples of how to eat well.

A consistent sleep schedule can help, as well as stress-reducing activities.

Personal connections

You can talk to people about how you are feeling, like family, friends, and healthcare professionals. These conversations can bring you support.

It takes time to develop a disease like kidneys.

Comprehensive treatment

If you treat both diabetes and depression with your healthcare professional, you can protect your health.

You may have a plan for your diabetes and kidneys. Unless your doctor knows you need mental health support, depression may interfere.

Education

It is helpful to learn how to prevent and cure CKD. Some important strategies are listed.

  • quit smoking
  • Follow your diabetes plan.
  • Excess salt can be avoided.
  • Exercise.
  • Moderate weight is maintained.

It benefits your health to follow as many kidney-care recommendations as you can. Even if it feels overwhelming, making one change at a time can still help.

Screening

You can live a long life even if you develop CKD. End stagerenal disease is a condition that not everyone who is diagnosed ends up in.

“Early on, the symptoms of the disease are usually absent. Many people don’t know they have it until they need it.”

Screening can help you to prevent the progression of ESRD by catching it early. Blood and urine testing is used to screen for chronic disease.

Depression and diabetes can affect each other. They both contribute to chronic disease.

African American and Latinx people can experience healthcare inequalities that can lead to higher risk of diseases.

All three conditions are not life threatening. Treatment for one condition can improve others.

Depression treatment can give you the motivation to stick to your care plan. This can slow down the progression of your disease.

“You don’t have to face this alone. A healthcare professional can help you with the treatment plan for all three conditions.”

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in a crisis, please seek help.

While you wait for help, stay with them and remove any weapons that can cause harm.

If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in a crisis, please seek help.

While you wait for help, stay with them and remove any weapons that can cause harm.

If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.