Repeated hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient may be accompanied by symptoms leading to the appearance of long-term depressive symptoms, which requires a medical examination in the event of repeated episodes of hypoglycemia to carry out the necessary examinations and prescribe the appropriate treatment. to prevent its occurrence or continuous recurrence.
The link between hypoglycemia and depression
Irregular blood sugar levels can cause symptoms of depression, as a study found that people with diabetes who do not control their blood sugar levels are more likely to develop depression, especially if the symptoms of low blood sugar Irregular blood sugar levels, whether already high or low, negatively affect their ability to participate. in activities the following symptoms occur when blood sugar levels are low:
- Nervousness or extreme sadness.
- Extreme hunger.
- feel helpless.
- Greater desire to sleep.
- Rapid heartbeats.
- stumble in the word
- Headache.
Where repeated episodes of hypoglycemia can cause frustration in the diabetic, as well as a feeling of fear that the sugar level will suddenly drop and the symptoms will be severe and uncontrollable, and if this continues the patient may enter into a state of depression, which requires the advice of a doctor to describe the treatments. Proper blood sugar control and regular monitoring of blood sugar to ensure it remains within normal limits.
Treatment of depression linked to low blood sugar
Depression associated with low blood sugar is usually treated by treating the condition causing the low blood sugar and as a result the symptoms of depression gradually begin to improve and may completely disappear within a few weeks. become clear. as follows:
- pharmacotherapy:
Where pharmacological treatment of diabetes, either with pills or insulin injections, can help control blood sugar levels and keep them within normal limits, which means reducing the risk of developing low blood sugar. blood sugar, which improves the symptoms of depression associated with it.
- Lifestyle change:
Lead a healthy lifestyle, replace sweets with fresh fruit, avoid excessive consumption of nuts, increase consumption of fresh and cooked vegetables, as well as low-fat meats and dairy products, and exercise according to your ability for at least least 30 minutes a day., 5 days a week, in addition to practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and stretching.
- Behavioral therapy:
In some cases where the symptoms of depression in diabetic patients do not completely improve, behavioral therapy may be used for the patient to learn techniques for coping with diabetes and how to control the negative feelings associated with the disease and his complications and teach him how to control the conditions of the disease according to his abilities and make an effort to improve his way of life.
The importance of the support of the family and friends who surround the patient cannot be underestimated, seeking to involve the patient in various social activities and providing him with a diet adapted to his state of health at all times, in addition participation in exercise and healthy habits.
