Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose). With type 2 diabetes, the body either resists the effects of insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels. Over time, high blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels, leading to complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve problems, gum infections, and amputation. Understanding how type 2 diabetes makes you feel can help you manage your condition and lower your risk of complications.
Common Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
In the early stages of type 2 diabetes, you may not experience any symptoms at all. Over time, you may develop some of the following symptoms:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination: High blood sugar leads to increased urination and fluid loss, causing thirst.
- Increased hunger: The inability to efficiently use glucose for energy can cause increased appetite.
- Fatigue: You may feel tired as your body struggles to use sugar properly for energy.
- Blurred vision: Fluctuating blood sugar levels can cause the lens in the eyes to swell, resulting in blurred vision.
- Slow healing of cuts/bruises: High blood sugar affects circulation and blood flow, slowing healing.
- Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet: Nerve damage caused by diabetes can lead to these sensations.
- Frequent infections: High blood sugar reduces immunity and ability to fight infections.
These symptoms tend to develop slowly over time and can be mild at first. Some people with type 2 diabetes remain undiagnosed for years because of the gradual onset of symptoms.
Emotional Effects of Type 2 Diabetes
In addition to physical symptoms, type 2 diabetes can trigger a variety of emotions:
Shock, fear, and denial
Receiving a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can come as a shock. Many people experience fear about the future and potential complications. Some enter a state of denial about having a chronic condition that requires significant lifestyle changes. It takes time to come to terms with and accept this lifelong disease.
Anger, frustration, and stress
Managing type 2 diabetes requires following a careful diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, monitoring blood sugar, and for many, taking medications. This level of disease self-management can lead to anger, frustration, and increased stress. The daily demands of diabetes care can become burdensome over time.
Guilt and shame
Some people with type 2 diabetes feel guilty or ashamed, blaming themselves and their lifestyle choices for causing the disease. Feeling judged by others about having diabetes can add to feelings of shame. Letting go of guilt and self-blame is important for managing diabetes in a positive way.
Hopelessness and depression
The chronic nature of diabetes and threat of complications can lead to hopelessness and depression. Feeling like diabetes controls your life, rather than the other way around, contributes to depression. Up to 30 percent of people with diabetes suffer from major depression.
Isolation and relationship changes
Having to follow a strict diabetes regimen can lead to feeling isolated from social situations centered around food and alcohol. Frequent medical appointments and health issues can strain relationships with loved ones. Support groups can help combat isolation.
Anxiety and distress
The possibility of developing serious complications like kidney failure, blindness, or amputation provokes anxiety in many people with diabetes. Blood sugar fluctuations outside the normal range also cause significant distress for those with the condition.
Mood swings
The physical effects of diabetes definitely impact mood. Blood sugar highs and lows can lead to irritability, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. Keeping blood sugars as stable as possible helps even out mood.
Coping with Emotions
Here are some tips for dealing with the emotional side of type 2 diabetes:
- Seek counseling or join a diabetes support group to share struggles with others managing the disease.
- Make lifestyle changes slowly – don’t attempt to overhaul everything at once.
- Prioritize stress management through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
- Focus on what you can control – like eating well, exercising, and taking medications as prescribed.
- Set small, achievable goals each day or week to give a sense of control.
- Keep reasonable expectations – perfection is impossible, be proud of incremental progress.
- Share your feelings honestly with loved ones so they understand what you’re going through.
- Remember that you are not defined by diabetes – it’s just one part of your life.
When to Seek Help
Occasional negative feelings are normal when adjusting to life with diabetes. But if emotions like hopelessness or anger become overwhelming or last longer than a couple weeks, be sure to seek professional help. The following are signs that it’s time to reach out:
- Depression that makes it difficult to carry out daily diabetes management
- Thoughts of harming yourself or suicidal thoughts
- Withdrawing from social activities and isolating yourself
- Feeling constantly irritable, sad, or anxious
- Inability to think clearly or concentrate
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
Speaking with a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist that specializes in diabetes can help provide coping strategies tailored to your situation. Your primary care doctor or endocrinologist can provide a referral. There are also national hotlines available for those experiencing a mental health crisis.
The Importance of Social Support
One of the most important tools for coping with the emotional side of type 2 diabetes is having strong social support. Staying connected with friends, family, and peers with diabetes provides ongoing encouragement. Loved ones can help monitor your mood and give you a reality check if emotions are clouding your judgment about care. Share openly about your challenges and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Some ways to build social support include:
- Involving loved ones in doctor appointments and diabetes education classes
- Joining diabetes groups on social media to exchange advice and experiences
- Finding community through in-person support groups and meetings
- Reaching out to friends or family by phone when you’re having a bad day
- Sharing your highs and lows with a loved one who listens well
Establishing an Emotional Care Plan
Proactively developing an emotional care plan can help you manage the feelings that come with type 2 diabetes diagnosis and management. Here are some elements to include:
- List of support people to call for encouragement or just to talk
- Names of mental health professionals, if counseling is needed
- Self-care activities that lift your mood like walking, reading, bubble baths
- Upbeat music playlist for motivation
- Stress management techniques – meditation apps, paced breathing
- Places that bring you calm – a park, nature trail, coffee shop
- Plan for attending local diabetes meetings or groups
- Regular physical activity you enjoy – Zumba class, swim time at the gym
Keep this plan somewhere handy so you can access it whenever difficult emotions arise. Share it with loved ones so they understand how to best support you.
In Conclusion
Type 2 diabetes affects body and mind. But with the right coping strategies, social support, and professional help if needed, it is possible to effectively manage the emotional challenges that may arise from the disease. Expect some ups and downs – good days and bad days. With time, most people adjust to the realities of living with diabetes. The key is to monitor your feelings, get support, and take action if emotions threaten to overwhelm you. There are many resources available to help you find your way to an emotionally balanced life with type 2 diabetes.