Diabetes is a chronic disease that complicates life with its daily demands. Tracking your blood sugar, going to medical appointments, changing how you eat and exercise \u2026 it\u2019s a lot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As part of your diabetes treatment plan, your doctor also may have prescribed GLP-1, a type of medication that helps regulate your blood sugar and supports weight loss. But even with the extra support of a GLP-1, managing all the aspects of diabetes can take a mental and emotional toll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Add to this the fact that simply having diabetes puts you at a higher risk for mental health conditions. For example, research<\/a> shows that an estimated three out of every 10 people with diabetes in the United States also experience depression. In any 18-month period, a third to a half of people with diabetes experience diabetes distress\u2014a state of feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, discouraged, worried, or tired of dealing with daily diabetes care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Untreated mental health issues can even make your diabetes worse. But when one of these improves, the other tends to also, and that\u2019s good news. To help, read on for some mental health strategies<\/a> when you\u2019re on GLP-1 that can help you manage both your diabetes and your mind\u2019s well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe first step is education,\u201d says Rachel Goldberg, a therapist based in Studio City, California, who works with clients who have type 2 diabetes and take GLP-1. The more you know about diabetes and your treatment, the more in control and less anxious you may feel. The American Diabetes Association has a directory<\/a> of diabetes education programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, before you start taking GLP-1, it helps to be aware of potential side effects, such as nausea and constipation, and ways to alleviate them, such as eating smaller meals and staying hydrated. \u201cSide effects can be intense,\u201d says Goldberg. Knowing that they tend to subside over time can help you persevere through the initial period, she adds.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look to your team as a go-to resource for support as well as information. Be honest with your doctor if you\u2019re struggling emotionally. Up to half of people with diabetes who have depression don\u2019t get diagnosed and treated, research<\/a> indicates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, it\u2019s more difficult to do the things that help keep you healthy, like exercising, taking your meds, and tracking your blood sugar. Your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional for help. The American Diabetes Association provides a directory of mental health providers<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your doctor might also help you tap into other resources for support. For example, if you\u2019re on GLP-1 and having trouble figuring out healthy foods that work for you, a dietitian may be able to simplify meal planning and make it less frustrating and overwhelming.<\/p>\n\n\nMental health strategy #1: Get educated <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Mental health strategy #2: Reach out to your healthcare team<\/h2>\n\n\n\n