Mental health, diabetes can impact each other; resources available to help

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 37 million people in the United States are living with diabetes, of which Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases and Type 1 diabetes accounts for approximately 5% to 10%.

There are many complications of living with diabetes, which the CDC’s “A Snapshot: Diabetes In The United States” outlines. Key findings from the snapshot include:

• $327 billion in total medical costs and lost work and wages for people with diagnosed diabetes.
• Medical costs for people with diabetes are more than twice as high as for people without diabetes.
• Risk of early death for adults with diabetes is 60% higher than for adults without diabetes.
• People who have diabetes are at higher risk of serious health complications, including:

• blindness
• kidney failure
• heart disease
• stroke
• loss of toes, feet or legs

While it’s relatively common knowledge that diabetes complications affect physical and financial wellness, the disease also impacts mental health. According to Mental Health America, people living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are at increased risk for depression, anxiety and eating disorders, with the rates of depression across the lifespan being two times greater for those with diabetes than in the general population. Additionally, fluctuations in blood sugar can cause changes in mood such as fatigue, trouble thinking clearly and anxiety.

“Poor mental health can worsen diabetes, and diabetic problems can affect mental health,” says Lindsay Bloom, health coach at Purdue Fort Wayne. “But by improving either one, the other can improve as well. Depression is often caused by not being able to participate in activities you enjoy. As diabetes worsens, it can affect a person’s day-to-day activities and prevent them from doing everything they want to do. High levels of stress can cause blood glucose to rise, worsening diabetes. And the simple fact of managing diabetes can cause anxiety and depression.”

Resources are available year-round to help with both mental health concerns and diabetes management.

For instance, Bloom shared that “stress and anxiety can be lowered by being active, practicing relaxation exercises like meditation or yoga and finding time to do something that brings you joy — that fills your cup and allows you to recharge — can help.”

Additional resources follow.

Learn more: Taking Control of My Diabetes

Individuals who have Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes who want to better understand Type 2 diabetes and how it affects their body can participate in a free Healthy Boiler lifestyle program, which the Center for Healthy Living (CHL) offers each year. This 14-week program explains what Type 2 diabetes is and the role nutrition, exercise, sleep, medication and stress management can have on blood glucose levels. Program participants are eligible to receive a free glucose meter and supplies.

Note: Individuals living with Type 1 diabetes are able to meet monthly with a CHL health coach but are not required to participate in the Taking Control of My Diabetes program to take advantage of the test strips and blood sugar meter opportunity. Contact the CHL for more information at 765-494-0111.

Additionally, CHL health coaches, dietitians, pharmacists and others are available to schedule for appointments by calling 765-494-0111.

To assist faculty and staff

Review the Mental Health Resources webpage for a variety of available resources for faculty and staff, including behavioral health resources for all Purdue campuses and information on Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse. 

To assist students

Faculty and staff who work with students or have a student at home can direct them to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) — medical plan provider for students and graduate students — offers 292 unique in-network mental health providers serving at various locations within Tippecanoe County. The list is available here. Additionally, students have access to HealthiestYou, which provides virtual access to mental health care as part of UHCSR’s plan. All services are free for students covered under the UHCSR insurance plan. 

Office of the Dean of Students:

• Continuous Network of Support
• Services and Information
• Presentations & Trainings
• Reporting a Student Concern or Issue

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS):

• Therapy Services at CAPS
• Self-help Resources
• Group Therapy
• CAPS YouTube channel
• NAMI On Campus — a free, virtual support group
• Thriving Campus — a service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers in many areas, locally and across the country
• TAO — web- and app-based mental health resource