People with diabetes may have a higher likelihood of developing depression, which can increase their risk of developing kidney disease. Treating either of these conditions can improve their outlook on life.
Diabetes, depression, and kidney disease are distinct situations, yet they often occur together. Furthermore, they can influence one another.
Diabetes can worsen depression, and vice versa. Each of these conditions can contribute to the development of kidney disease.
It is important to remember that depression is a treatable medical disorder, just like diabetes and kidney disease.
Black and Latino communities face a higher risk of evolving kidney disease, as well as higher rates of diabetes and depression. One motive for this may be disparities in healthcare.
If you have both diabetes and depression, understanding the relationship between these conditions and kidney disease can help you take steps to defend yourself.
An Overview of Diabetes and Depression
Sometimes, diabetes and depression coexist. The challenges involved in living with diabetes can contribute to the commencement of mental health issues, which can make managing diabetes extremely stressful.
According to various studies, there is also a link between depression and diabetes-related changes in the brain’s blood vessels.
The Centres for Disease Switch and Prevention (CDC) notes that people with diabetes are two to three times more likely to experience depression than those without it.
While most people experience moments of sadness, depression is a more serious disorder. It can manifest as a persistent sense of sadness or worthlessness that affects daily life. Symptoms may include:
- loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- persistent fatigue
- changes in mood, appetite, and sleep patterns
- thoughts of death or suicide
Not everyone achieves a full recovery; however, those who undergo treatment for depression often experience significant improvement.
The Link Between Diabetes and Kidney Disease
Both kind 1 and type 2 diabetes increase the risk of evolving chronic kidney disease (CKD). Approximately 1 in 3 grownups with diabetes also has CKD.
Diabetes causes various problems that can lead to CKD, such as:
- raised blood sugar levels
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
It all begins with persistently high blood sugar levels, which can harden and damage blood vessel walls, thereby raising blood pressure.
Elevated blood sugar levels can also alter cholesterol levels, leading to a decrease in “good” cholesterol and an increase in “bad” cholesterol.
Excessively high blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol can touch the blood vessels supplying the kidneys, leading to CKD.
While it is known that diabetes contributes to kidney difficulties, adding depression to the equation increases the likelihood of developing CKD.
A meta-analysis conducted in 2022 concluded that people with diabetes who also had co-occurring depression were more likely to develop kidney disease.
Depression can also contribute to the progression of kidney disease in people with diabetes.
A study conducted in 2021 followed 486 people with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, who were grouped according to their level of depression. The study revealed that depression increased the likelihood of development to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) by 12.4% in cases of mild depression, and by 45.1% in cases of severe depression.
Seek immediate medical attention if you are having suicidal thoughts. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; you can reach them by calling or texting 988.
Tips for Management Depression When You Have Diabetes
Although diabetes can make life more challenging, there are plans you can put into practice to manage depression.
Treating Depression
Therapy and medication offer relief to many people living with depression. You can try one of these options, or both.
Therapy teaches you skills to achieve unhelpful thought patterns. Medication can improve your energy and mood enough to make practising self-care easier.
Lifestyle Changes
Certain lifestyle changes—including establishing healthy routines—can positively impact your mental health. Eating healthy foods as often as possible and exercising regularly are two examples of this.
Maintaining a consistent sleep list can also be helpful, as can engaging in stress-reducing activities, such as meditation exercises or taking up a new hobby.
Personal Connections
Family, close friends, and healthcare specialists are examples of people you can talk to about your feelings. Starting these conversations can provide you with invaluable support.
Tips for Reducing the Risk of Rising Kidney Disease
Kidney disease often takes a long time to worsen and can frequently be prevented.
Comprehensive Care
Working with a healthcare professional to treat both diabetes and depression can protect your kidney health.
You may already have a care plan in place for your diabetes and kidneys. However, depression can interfere with this process—unless your doctor is aware that you also need support for your mental health.
Education
It is helpful to learn as much as possible about chronic kidney disease (CKD) and how to prevent it. Some important strategies include:
- quitting smoking, if you are a smoker
- Following your nutrition plan for diabetes
- avoiding excessive salt intake
- exercising
- maintaining a healthy weight
Following as many kidney care recommendations as possible will benefit your health. Even if the task seems overwhelming, making changes one at a time can also be very helpful.
Screening
Even if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), you can still live a long life. Not everyone who develops CKD will progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD)—also recognized as kidney failure.
Kidney disease is frequently asymptomatic in its early stages. Many people do not know they have it until they require dialysis.
Regular screening allows you to prevent end-stage renal disease by identifying kidney disease early, thereby delaying or halting its progression. Healthcare professionals use blood and urine tests to diagnose CKD.
Key Points
Depression and diabetes can influence one another. Both contribute to kidney disease.
African Americans and Latinos may experience healthcare disparities that could contribute to a higher likelihood of developing diabetes, depression, and kidney disease.
All three conditions are treatable. Treating just one of them can improve the others.
For example, treating depression can provide you with the energy and motivation needed to adhere to your diabetes treatment plan. This can delay or even halt the progression of your CKD.
You do not have to face any of these conditions alone. A healthcare professional can work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for all three conditions.