• Please Remember: Members are only permitted to share their own experiences. Members are not qualified to give medical advice. Additionally, everyone manages their health differently. Please be respectful of other people's opinions about their own diabetes management.
  • We seem to be having technical difficulties with new user accounts. If you are trying to register please check your Spam or Junk folder for your confirmation email. If you still haven't received a confirmation email, please reach out to our support inbox: support.forum@diabetes.org.uk

Low moods

Status
This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.

lucy123

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi,

I think I have read that high BS can cause a low mood, but does anyone know if diabetes medication after stabilising bs can leave a feeling of being down and out of character - particularly interested in those on Byetta/Victoza injections.

I just seem to have fell into passing in and out of low moods where feel quite tearful and just sort of want to be by myself. As I say I go in and out though - also I have just passed 50 and wonder if this could have some relation too?

I wouldnt say I feel depressed, just low and out of sorts.

Any advice would be appreciated.
 
Lucy,

You're not alone.

Low mood can and does happen a lot with diabetes, and it's entirely up to you whether you want to define it as 'depression' - however, I'm with you, I have it happen to me but I think calling my bad days 'depression' demeans what people with full depression go through.

It can be because fluctuating blood sugars affect your mood.

There is definitely anecdotal evidence to suggest that some diabetes medications can also do this - Lantus, for one. I don't know about Victoza/Byetta but I wouldn't want to rule it out.

Then there's also the other thing too -the fact that diabetes is a chronic and generally difficult condition to manage. Just the simple act of managing diabetes can wear you down and I think everyone who has diabetes go through regular stages where they're just so sick and tired of everything.

You're not alone. You can do this. It will get better.
 
Sorry to hear this Lucy. I think the term is 'dysthimia' for these kinds of feelings and can hit you from time to time with or without diabetes. But we are complex beings and our moods may be affected by all sorts of changes, both physical and situational even if we are not normally subject to depression. Can you remember if you ever felt this way before diabetes, or perhaps the last time you felt like this? Is it partly seasonal, with the dark and gloomy days?

I hope that you are feeling much brighter soon. If it is really affecting your quality of life, it may be worth discussing with your GP.

{{{{Lucy}}}}
 
Thanks for the replies.
I cant ever remember feeling this way Alan. I think if I was to describe how I feel in two words it would be 'down' and 'sad'. Definitely out of character for me - normally bubbly.
Even my tennis which I normally love doesnt get me like it used to - I feel I am not enjoying it and not playing well - even though I am in 2 semi finals!!

At home I feel I am irritable and find I am going to bed early sometimes as cant be bothered with the conversation - although my family are lovely. Its not them its just how I feel.

I just hope it goes soon - its been on and off for about a month now - so maybe if it doesnt clear I will speak to GP.

The thing is I am on that much medication I wouldn't know where to start with what I thought the problem was.
 
sorry you feel that way lucy, i know how it feels to be down and wondered if my diabetes is compounding it too. Lately i just cant be bothered to do anything! i also find myself withdrawing from friends, i dont want to spend time with anyone or go anywhere. I seem to have lost all motivation for anything that used to excite me, when im forced to spend time with friends i just listen and dont speak unless i have to. its quite sad really. even getting from the bed to the sofa is a major achievement lately. I do work long hours and on my days off i have lots to do but find myself sleeping late and sitting around in my PJ's all day. I know my sugars are not great so its probably having a detrimental effect but they just wont settle. the lack of get up and go is getting me down to the point where i get angry with myself. ive felt low before but nothing like this now. i feel so lazy! take care, hope your feeling better soon 🙂
 
I hope you feel better soon.

I am trying different sorts of activity to try and help me be more motivated.
I wont let it beat me, but as I say if I dont feel any better in a few weeks i wil discuss with GP. Maybe you could do the same?🙂
 
I'm not dismissing your feeling as I'm also expected to be the 'up' and bubbly person that people know. Since being diagnosed recently I seem more mood aware and have bitchy sniping episodes to feeling sorry for myself episodes (it's like having my PMT back!)

If I'm feeling down I tend to watch or listen to comedy or take the dogs for a walk and chat to people.

Maybe it could be your meds but maybe you might try something like the above.

Good luck and be good to yourself 🙂
 
I'm bipolar and if my bm goes high the more my mood changes so I definitely think there's a link
 
I am on tablets and often get the blues and days where I feel very weepy or very angry. My doctor says it is depression, but I deal with it have a good bawl and feel better.

I hope you feel better soon.
 
Status
This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
Back
Top