A genetic condition such as Type 1 Diabetes might not seem to have any connection to mental health issues, but various studies have documented a prevalence for anxiety and depressive symptoms in those, particularly youths, with T1D. It’s important to understand how T1D is connected to a person’s emotions in addition to their physical well-being.

The Facts

1 in 6 people with T1D experience moderate to severe anxiety symptoms. The rate for depressive symptoms is approximately double for T1D youth compared to non-T1D youth at 11.3% to 27.5%. Similarly to the general population, these symptoms are more common in youth with T1D. Looking at trends, it appears that those with T1D are more likely to develop anxiety or depressive disorders. Conversely, those with anxiety or depressive disorders have a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes.

Reasons for Anxiety & Depression

The high prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders is due to a variety of factors. Most simply, managing T1D is stressful. Having to constantly worry about blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia and adjusting insulin dosage can create or exacerbate anxiety. With T1D, you often have to plan for possible complications in the future due to diabetes or constantly check in with your blood sugar. It’s hard to slow down, and the anxiety builds up. 

Effects of Anxiety & Depression

Type 1 Diabetics with diabetes related anxiety or depression might develop fears related to diabetes such as intense fear of hypoglycemia. Especially in those who have experienced a traumatic hypoglycemic event, may struggle with managing blood sugar levels – preferring to run on a high blood sugar than risk severe low blood sugar again. Of course, this can bring its own complications.

Additionally, anxiety and depression has been associated with other medical issues including high levels of Hemoglobin A1C (metabolic indicator) and poor self management or unhealthy behaviors such as reduced physical activity.

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Sources

“Anxiety + Diabetes.” Beyond Type 1, 2018, beyondtype1.org/anxiety-diabetes/.‌

Rechenberg, Kaitlyn, et al. “Anxiety in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes.” Journal of Pediatric Nursing, vol. 32, no. 32, Jan. 2017, pp. 64–71, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5743322/, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2016.08.007.

Diabetes UK. “Chapter 7 – Anxiety Disorders.” Diabetes UK, 2019, www.diabetes.org.uk/for-professionals/improving-care/good-practice/psychological-care/emotional-health-professionals-guide/chapter-7-anxiety.