Category Archives: Diabetes

Winnie the Pooh could hold the key to beating diabetes, according to new research. Every year, bears gain an enormous amount of weight, then barely move for months.

A sugar-rich diet is the main trigger for the metabolic disorder in humans. It's caused by resistance to insulin, a hormone that controls glucose.

Bears can turn it on and off, almost like a switch, but scientists have found their secret: a particular set of hibernation proteins. Thousands of changes in gene expression were narrowed down to eight, specifically.

A Washington State University (WSU) team made the discovery by feeding honey, Pooh's favorite food, to hibernating bears.

"There seem to be eight proteins that are working either independently or together to modulate the insulin sensitivity and resistance that is seen in hibernating bears," said Professor Joanna Kelley, lead author of the study. "All of these eight proteins have human homologs. They are not unique to bears. The same genes are in humans, so that means maybe there is a direct opportunity for translation."

The scientists looked at changes in cell cultures exposed to blood serum drawn from grizzlies housed at the WSU Bear Centre.

Samples were collected during active and hibernating seasons - including one that was interrupted by being given water laced with honey.

Different cocktails highlighted the genetic alterations. It was serum from the mid-hibernation feeding period that helped most in identifying the important proteins.

"By feeding the bears just for two weeks during hibernation, it allowed us to control for other things like day length and temperature as well as food availability," Kelley said.

Bears usually get up and move a little during hibernation but do not eat, urinate or defecate.

Waking moments were used to offer them the treat. The extra sugar was also found to disrupt hibernation behavior - enabling the first study of its kind. When the serum was put onto a cell culture taken from regularly hibernating bears, they began to exhibit changes in gene activity similar to those from an active season.

Kelley and colleagues plan to investigate how the proteins work to reverse insulin resistance.

The findings may ultimately lead to the development of therapies that prevent, or even cure, diabetes.

"This is progress toward getting a better understanding of what is happening at the genetic level and identifying specific molecules that are controlling insulin resistance in bears," said co-first author Dr. Blair Perry of WSU.

Tools for understanding genetics are becoming more sophisticated. The researchers recently mapped the complete DNA of brown bears, of which grizzlies are a member.

The updated genome may help provide even better insights into bear genetics including how they manage hibernation.

Perry, who has also worked out the genetic makeup of snake venom, said: "There is inherent value to studying the diversity of life around us and all of these unique and strange adaptations that have arisen."

"By understanding the genomic basis of these adaptations, we gain a better understanding of what we share with other species, and what makes us unique as humans," Perry said.

The study in iScience is potentially priceless - for diabetics.

Produced in association with SWNS Talker.

This story was provided to Newsweek by Zenger News.

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Why Winnie the Pooh Could Hold Key to Beating Diabetes - Newsweek

Apart from the usual symptoms of the disease which include excessive thirst, weight loss, and numbness, diabetes also has some signs that appear on the hands and fingers, known as diabetic neuropathy

In the long run, most of the organs get affected by high blood sugar. Due to poor diet and lifestyle, not just older people but even youngsters fall prey to diabetes.

What is diabetic neuropathy?

Doctors say diabetic neuropathy is the extreme tingling in the hands that happens to more than 50 per cent of people who suffer from the disease.

The tingling and numbness can be severe in many people and can acutely even affect the working of fingers.

What are the symptoms?

Apart from the sensation in fingers, other symptoms of neuropathy include:

Weakness in hands

Paralysis on one side of the face

Pain behind the eye

Double vision

Focus problem

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

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Beware of these signs on your hands that indicate onset of diabetes - Times Now

Data presented today show more participants achieved greater treatment satisfaction when switching to once-weekly insulin icodec in ONWARDS 2 trial

Bagsvrd, Denmark, Thursday 22 September 2022 Novo Nordisk today presented new data from the phase 3a ONWARDS 2 trial, demonstrating that 37% of adults with type 2 diabetes treated with once-weekly insulin icodec achieved an HbA1c <7.0%, without experiencing severe or clinically significant hypoglycaemia, compared with 27% of those treated with insulin degludec at 26 weeks1. These results were presented at the 58th European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting 20221.

Once-weekly insulin would be a remarkable step forward in insulin innovation, said Dr Athena Philis-Tsimikas, Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute, California, USA, and principal investigator of ONWARDS 2. It could offer people with type 2 diabetes reduced treatment complexity and burden by reducing the number of basal insulin injections from 365 to 52 per year, without compromising management of blood sugar.

The trial achieved its primary endpoint of demonstrating non-inferiority in reducing HbA1c at week 26 with insulin icodec compared with insulin degludec2. From a mean baseline of 8.17% (icodec) and 8.10% (degludec), once-weekly insulin icodec achieved a superior reduction in estimated HbA1c of 0.93% compared with 0.71% for insulin degludec2.

People with diabetes in ONWARDS 2 reported significantly greater satisfaction in favour of once-weekly insulin icodec compared with insulin degludec at 26 weeks as assessed by the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ) 1.

We are very pleased to see the promising results from the ONWARDS programme so far, said Martin Holst Lange, Executive Vice President Development, Novo Nordisk. The patient-reported outcomes data we see in ONWARDS 2 further strengthen our belief that insulin icodec has the potential to become the ideal insulin for people living with type 2 diabetes initiating insulin treatment.

The mean weekly insulin dose was 268 U/week for insulin icodec vs 244 U/week for insulin degludec1. The estimated mean change in body weight from baseline to week 26 was 1.40 kg for insulin icodec compared with 0.30 kg for insulin degludec1.

In the trial, once-weekly insulin icodec appeared to have a safe and well-tolerated profile. There was less than 1 hypoglycaemic event per patient-year exposed for insulin icodec and insulin degludec (0.73 events and 0.27 events per patient-year exposed, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between arms). As previously reported, no severe hypoglycaemia events were observed for people treated with insulin icodec1.

For more news and media materials from Novo Nordisk at EASD 2022, please visit: https://www.novonordisk.com/news-and-media/e-press-room.html?cid=nnref-1624925851

About insulin icodecInsulin icodec is a novel once-weekly basal insulin analogue designed to cover the basal insulin requirements for a full week with a single subcutaneous injection. Currently, the basal insulin products with the longest duration are injected once daily1. Insulin icodec is currently going through phase 3 clinical development.

About the ONWARDS clinical programme The ONWARDS clinical development programme for once-weekly insulin icodec comprises six phase 3a global clinical trials, including a trial with real-world elements, involving more than 4,000 adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes2. Top-line data for the ONWARDS 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 trials have now read out, all meeting their primary endpoints2-4.

About ONWARDS 2ONWARDS 2 trial is a phase 3a, 26-week efficacy and safety treat-to-target trial investigating once-weekly insulin icodec vs once-daily insulin degludec in 526 people with type 2 diabetes switching from daily insulin5. The primary endpoint was to assess the change in HbA1c at week 26 with insulin icodec compared with insulin degludec2.

About Novo Nordisk Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat diabetes and other serious chronic diseases such as obesity and rare blood and endocrine disorders. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines, and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs about 50,800 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. For more information, visit novonordisk.com, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Further information

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References1.Philis-Tsimikas A, Asong M, Franek E, et al. Once-weekly Insulin Icodec Demonstrated Better Glycaemic Control vs Once-daily Insulin Degludec in Basal Insulin-Treated Type 2 Diabetes. European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) 58th Annual Meeting; 1923 September 2022; Stockholm, Sweden. 2.Novo Nordisk. Company announcement. Once-weekly insulin icodec demonstrates superior reduction in HbA1c vs insulin degludec in people with type 2 diabetes in ONWARDS 2 phase 3a trial. Available at: https://www.novonordisk.com/content/nncorp/global/en/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=112839 Last accessed: September 2022. 3.Novo Nordisk. Company announcement. Novo Nordisk achieves primary objectives of ONWARDS 1 and 6 trials with once-weekly insulin icodec demonstrating superior reduction in HbA1c vs insulin glargine U100 in ONWARDS 1. Available at: https://www.novonordisk.com/content/nncorp/global/en/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=118349 Last accessed: September 2022. 4.Novo Nordisk. Company announcement. Novo Nordisk achieves primary objectives of ONWARDS 3 and 4 trials with once-weekly insulin icodec demonstrating superior reduction in HbA1c vs insulin degludec in ONWARDS 3. Available at: https://www.novonordisk.com/content/nncorp/global/en/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=127304 Last accessed: September 2022. 5.ClinicalTrials.gov. A Research Study to Compare Two Types of Insulin, a New Weekly Insulin, Insulin Icodec and an Available Daily Insulin, Insulin Degludec, in People With Type 2 Diabetes Who Use Daily Insulin (ONWARDS 2). Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04770532 Last accessed: September 2022.

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More people with type 2 diabetes achieved blood sugar target with once-weekly insulin icodec compared with once-daily insulin degludec - GlobeNewswire

The key to managing diabetes could be as simple as what's cooking in your kitchen.

COLUMBUS, Ohio The key to controlling and managing diabetes could be as simple as what's cooking in your kitchen.

Researchers from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine tested whether a cooking prescription that provides food, along with diabetes self-management education, would improve A1C levels.

Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Jennifer Shrodes said people diagnosed with diabetes should focus on portion sizes.

She said it's important that your plate is one-third protein, one-third nonstarchy vegetables and one-third carbohydrates.

Shrodes and her dietitian colleagues said that there are no so-called bad foods. Instead, they help participants understand how to track how frequently they eat food that might not be as full of healthy nutrients.

"This study really looked at what we're teaching people in the classroom and how do they take that information outside of the classroom and actually practice in their real-life," Shrodes said.

Researchers found that participants' blood sugar improved and many were back at baseline afterward. They said the key is to continue to practice what they've learned in diabetes education.

OSU chefs offer a free live-streamed 20-minute cooking demo twice a month on the second and fourth Tuesday at noon. Head over to theOSU Wexner Medical Cental website to register.

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Managing diabetes could happen in the kitchen, Ohio State researchers find - 10TV

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. For the 5th year, the West Virginia Diabetic Walk For Wellness was hosted by Webster Insurance Agency at the Bridge Sports Complex in Bridgeport.

The event is meant to help promote diabetic wellness and raise awareness through education. It featured a display from United Hospital Center that showed the sugars in items we consume.

All donations from Saturdays event will be sent to the Diabetic Association for testing, equipment and anything to help to find a cure.

A lot of people dont realize the types of foods you need to eat, what you need to maintain your sugar. so, were hoping that this raises awareness and gets some information out to folks and realize this is a bad disease, said Joyce Hickman, agent with Webster Insurance Agency.

Hickman hopes that the event can grow larger year after year so it can promote wellness and raise more awareness for diabetes.

12 News own Don Graye said, Im a diabetic, I have been for a while. The association does so many good things, information, how to get contacts with people and so forth. So, its a worthwhile cause and diabetes is not a joke, its a serious matter.

If you would like to make a donation for the Diabetes Association, you can call 304-842-7311.

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West Virginia Diabetic Walk for Wellness held for the 5th year - WBOY.com

Sugar is often portrayed as a villain or main culprit when the topic of diabetes comes up.

While sugar does play an important role in the context of this condition, several misconceptions exist about people with diabetes being able to consume sugar.

People with diabetes can eat food and drink beverages that contain sugar. But just like everything, moderation is key.

This article will give you more information about the role that sugar plays in diabetes and glucose management, and how to approach it in appropriate and balanced ways.

Clinical guidelines or recommendations about anything, including sugar consumption by people with diabetes, are just that: guidelines. They are meant to guide many people to stay as healthy as possible.

Expert opinions differ on how much sugar is recommended each day.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentions that the average intake of added sugars was 17 teaspoons per day or 19 teaspoons for men and 15 teaspoons for women for Americans ages 20 and over in 2018.

If youre used to eating a lot of sugar, you may want to reduce your intake to help manage blood glucose levels and keep them in target range.

Of course, everyone is different. Your weight, activity level, nutritional needs, and your bodys reaction to factors that affect your blood sugar levels will differ from those of another person with diabetes.

You and your diabetes care team should discuss your situation, including your history of managing your blood sugar levels, to determine how much sugar you can eat in a typical day. This can vary, too, depending on what type of diabetes you have and any medications you take.

Some people may worry that eating sugar will lead to diabetes, but diabetes is much more complex. Plus, your body does need some sugar to function. According to the National Institutes of Health, one type of sugar called glucose is an important source of fuel for your body and your brain.

The sugar in your body comes, in part, from carbohydrates. After you eat, your body breaks down the food you eat as youre digesting, which sends glucose into your bloodstream.

Simple carbohydrates like candy or fruit break down quickly, sending a quick burst of sugar into your bloodstream. More complex carbohydrates like pasta break down more slowly and deliver a steadier dose of sugar over time.

If you dont have diabetes, your pancreas will respond to the influx of sugar by releasing a hormone called insulin, which works to move that sugar out of your blood and into your cells to use as fuel.

However, if you have diabetes, your pancreas may not respond by producing enough (or any, in some cases) insulin to do the job. The sugar can build up in your bloodstream, which can eventually damage your blood vessels and cause other complications.

Its a common misconception that people with diabetes need to give up sugar and go sugar-free for the rest of their lives.

In other words, yes, people with diabetes actually can still eat sugar. They can eat foods with added sugars and also other foods containing carbohydrates that get broken down into sugar inside the body.

People with diabetes need to be careful about how much sugar they consume. The key word is moderation, according to the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.

Limiting sugar content overall is a smart choice. A few commonly recommended strategies include:

You can also learn how to count carbohydrates. Many people with diabetes count carbs to help them keep track of what theyre eating so they can manage their blood sugar levels better.

According to the CDC, if you are overweight, you may help reverse prediabetes and delay or prevent type 2 diabetes by shedding 5% to 7% of your body weight. As this is not the only way to prevent type 2 diabetes and it may not be necessary for everyone, its best to speak with your doctor first.

If you have diabetes, you dont have to resign yourself to a life without sugar. But you do need to be mindful of how much sugar you consume and how it affects your ability to control your glucose levels.

This includes not only sugary sweets but beverages and anything with carbohydrates, as those convert into sugar in your body. Your diabetes care team can help you design a plan that helps you achieve a healthy balance.

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How Much Sugar Is Allowed for People with Diabetes? - Healthline

Maria Ramos-Roman, M.D., Associate Professor of Internal Medicine

DALLAS Sept. 1, 2022 Breastfeeding offers a wealth of benefits both for mothers and their babies. Although diabetes can complicate the process, it does not prevent mothers from giving their babies this wonderful start to life, according to UTSouthwestern endocrinologist Maria Ramos-Roman, M.D., Associate Professor of Internal Medicine.

Three common forms of diabetes are: type 1, an autoimmune condition that typically develops in youth; type 2, a condition that is traditionally diagnosed in adults but that also affects younger individuals; and gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy. About half of women who develop gestational diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

Diabetes can impact breastfeeding in a variety of ways, said Dr. Ramos-Roman. For example, it can lengthen the time before some mothers establish milk production. Breastfeeding can also change maternal blood sugar patterns throughout the day. Mothers who require medical therapy for diabetes may need less medication during breastfeeding to prevent dips in blood sugar.

To combat these issues, its especially important for mothers with diabetes to meet with a lactation consultant soon after birth and learn techniques to give their breastfeeding journey the best start. Mothers with diabetes should also continue to monitor blood sugar and discuss with their health care team how to adjust their medical treatment for diabetes during the postpartum period, said Dr. Ramos-Roman. Medications typically used to treat diabetes, such as insulin and metformin, are not harmful to breastfed babies and may be necessary for mothers to maintain proper glucose control. Similarly, sticking to a healthy diet can help stabilize blood sugar; diets typically recommended for pregnancy are also good for diabetic mothers, she added.

Dr. Ramos-Roman offered these additional tips for breastfeeding with diabetes:

About UTSouthwestern Medical Center

UTSouthwestern, one of the nations premier academic medical centers, integrates pioneering biomedical research with exceptional clinical care and education. The institutions faculty has received six Nobel Prizes, and includes 26 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 17 members of the National Academy of Medicine, and 14 Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators. The full-time faculty of more than 2,900 is responsible for groundbreaking medical advances and is committed to translating science-driven research quickly to new clinical treatments. UTSouthwestern physicians provide care in more than 80 specialtiesto more than 100,000 hospitalized patients, more than 360,000 emergency room cases, and oversee nearly 4 million outpatient visits a year.

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Mothers with diabetes can have a healthy breastfeeding experience - UT Southwestern

GREAT NECK, N.Y. -- A Long Island great-grandmother is one of the oldest living Americans with Type 1 diabetes.

She was told as a child she would not live more than a few years. As CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff reports, doctors say her longevity is living proof of great hope for a full life.

"I was told I would probably have about a three-to-five-year lifespan," Libby Lashansky said.

Lashansky has had a lot of time to prove her 1940s doctors wrong.

At age 11, she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. The now-92-year-old Great Neck woman is among a handful of the oldest patients with the lifelong diagnosis.

"In those days, they thought they knew what they were doing," Lashansky said.

"She really is a miracle because when she had diabetes, no one ever would have expected her to live this long," son-in-law Saul Brenner said.

Until the discovery of insulin a century ago, juvenile diabetes, as it was then called, was considered a death sentence. Lashansky was told to keep it a secret and that her life would be short and limited.

"I was told I shouldn't have children. It would kill me," Lashansky said.

Two children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren later, she looks back on a full life. She became a physician, too.

"Times have changed," she said.

She credits major advances in glucose monitoring and insulin pumps. Injections she gives herself five times a day have smaller needles, and primitive monitoring is long gone.

"I would have to use a match, light the wick and then hold the test tube over the flame," Lashansky said.

Now, technology gives her a sugar reading every five minutes.

Her family credits her discipline.

"Have a balance between the carbohydrates, the protein and the fats," Lashansky said.

Doctors say she is an inspiration.

"I am the one that, I'm telling them that I think you have Type 1 diabetes. To be able to give them that hope, it's really a wonderful thing," said Dr. Rifka Schulman-Rosenbaum, director of inpatient diabetes at Long Island Jewish Medical Center.

JDRF International, the leading global Type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, told CBS2, "Today people with type 1 diabetes are living longer and healthier lives, which is a testament to the many research advancements in treatment options, including drug development, devices, and behavioral health interventions."

There is still no cure for Type 1 diabetes. Lashansky always hoped for one, but says she has missed out on nothing.

"I practiced as a doctor. I lived a perfectly normal life," she said. "Diabetes, if one is careful and watches oneself, is not a death sentence."

She calls her ripe old age once unimaginable.

One-and-a-half million Americans have Type 1 diabetes.

Carolyn Gusoff has covered some of the most high profile news stories in the New York City area and is best known as a trusted, tenacious, consistent and caring voice of Long Island's concerns.

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92-year-old on Long Island is one of the oldest living Americans with Type 1 diabetes: "She really is a miracle" - CBS New York

Yogurt is a great breakfast or snack option. It's versatile and easy to eat at home or on the go. For people with diabetes, yogurt can be a good addition to your diet. Research shows that yogurt may benefit those with diabetes as well as prevent those without the disease from developing it thanks to the fermented dairy product's concentration of probiotics, or live active cultures. Studies show that probiotic-rich yogurt can benefit blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes, and it may play a role in reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by improving glucose metabolism.

"[Live, active] cultures, aka probiotics, are termed healthy bacteria that help to keep our body healthy and working well," shares Amy Kimberlain, RDN, CDCES, a registered dietitian and Academy Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "Most yogurt contains live, active bacteria cultures and would indicate so on the label. Some of the alternative 'milk' yogurts may not, so it's important to check and not consider it a given."

Beyond its probiotic benefits, "yogurt is also considered to be a good source of protein, calcium, and potassium," says Kimberlain.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Although yogurt can provide many benefits, how do you know which yogurt is the right choice, and which ones you should stay away from if you have diabetes? According to Kimberlain, she believes that the best yogurt for diabetes is a low-fat or fat-free yogurt with minimum added sugar or artificial sweeteners and more protein.

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This recommendation seems like a lot to keep track of, so how do you know what type of yogurt to pick up?

"When it comes to yogurt, shopping at the grocery store can be quite confusing," explains Kimberlain. It's one of those foods that is thought to be 'healthy,' yet when you take a closer look, some brands can be quite high in sugar and considered almost like dessert.

To streamline your grocery shopping experience, heed Kimberlain's advice:

When deciding on choosing a yogurt that's either fat-free, low-fat, or whole milk, Kimberlain says that general guidelines from the American Heart Association, as well as the Dietary Guidelines, recommend choosing low-fat or fat-free yogurt.

"People with diabetes have two times the risk for heart disease," says Kimberlain. "This is important in helping to cut back on their total saturated fat for the day."

If you're stuck between a plain yogurt or a flavored one, is it possible to choose a yogurt that won't affect your diabetes? The answer is yes, but only if the flavor contains no added sugar.

"On the nutrition labels, you can now see the line for 'added sugar,'" explains Kimberlain. "Yogurt has natural sugar in the lactose that it contains. However, now with this recent addition, we can see how much added sugar different brands are using." For added sugar, the recommendation is 6 teaspoons (24g)/day for women and 9 teaspoons (36g)/day for men.

Kimberlain suggests that the goal is to cut back on added sugar everywhere, so the best option is plain yogurt. Then, you have the opportunity to add your own fruit in order to "naturally sweeten" the yogurt.

"For people with diabetes, this is a great combination of protein (in the yogurt) and carbohydrate from the fruit," says Kimberlain. "You can additionally add more flavor by adding different spices/flavorings vanilla extract, cinnamon, cardamom."

Artificial sweeteners can also take a toll on diabetes, according to Kimberlain.

"Similar to added sugar, my recommendation is to aim to reduce your total intake when it comes to artificial sweeteners," she suggests. "While it might seem of benefit to using artificial sweeteners because the yogurt will have less total carbs (due to sweetening from the artificial sweetener), I recommend using plain and adding in fruit for natural sweetness. The fruit also has fiber which is of benefit for people with diabetes as well. Fiber helps stabilize blood sugar levels, all the while keeping us fuller longer!"

Furthermore, Kimberlain suggests that Greek yogurt is both thicker and creamier than regular yogurt. Additionally, it has more protein than regular yogurt.

"For people with diabetes, having a little more protein could be of benefit in managing blood sugar levels, as the aim is to balance carbs, protein, and fats," says Kimberlain. "And at times, with different meal combos, protein, specifically at breakfast and/or a snack, may be lacking. Therefore, this extra protein could be of benefit."

If you're unable to consume dairy, you can still reap benefits through plant-based options.

"Ideally, you're looking for one that has the calcium and vitamin D fortification," explains Kimberlain. "And if you're curious which one has the most similar properties to a dairy-based yogurt, that would be soy. But, check for fortification. And, the protein may be of importance when aiming to help balance meals."

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The #1 Best Yogurt for Diabetes, Says Dietitian Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Diabetes not only takes a toll on your body but also your mind. There is not a single day when one can take break from managing diabetes and there is a need to constantly control your blood sugar levels to avoid health complications. The impact of fluctuating glucose levels on the mood combined with the stress of taking medication, eating right and staying active takes a toll on mental health of people with diabetes. People with diabetes can experience depression, anxiety, mood swings among other such issues. Self-care, therapy, setting small goals, staying in touch with your loved ones can help diabetics maintain a good mental health. (Also read: 5 ways diabetes can affect women's health)

"Research has shown that patients suffering from diabetes suffer depression 2-3 times more than the general population. However, usually it is not diagnosed at the right time, so it is important when a diabetic patient feels unhappy, dull particularly when it leads to change in the lifestyle in terms of activities which they do, sleep, food and medicine then we know patient has reached a level of depression where patient needs some kind of therapy," says Dr. Vipul Gupta - Chief - Neurointerventional Surgery & Co-Chief Stroke Unit, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram.

People with diabetes also feel more stressed than others. Dr Gupta says stress can lead to increase in stress hormones which worsens the sugar control and when patients get stressed out they usually lose the discipline to take their medications regularly and to monitor the sugar levels.

"Diabetes can cause adverse effects on mental health. Rapid changes in mood, anxiety, fatigue and stress are probable. Self-care and lifestyle modification is very crucial in this condition. Therapy helps in acceptance of the condition and developing positive beliefs about your life, emotional regulation and distress tolerance through various relaxation techniques," says Dr Rituparna Ghosh, Consultant, clinical Psychology Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai.

Dr Ghosh says focusing on small goals and attaining them every day is more recommended than thinking of achieving wellness all at once.

"A journal can help organize your thoughts and emotional triggers like ways your diabetes changed your social life and how talking about it makes you feel sad and then work towards dealing with it accordingly. Enhance your emotional and family support system," says Dr Ghosh.

"Being socially active among peer groups and friends, exercising on regular basis, doing yoga and meditation is scientifically known to reduce stress levels," says Dr Gupta.

Dr Gupta says there are many support groups for diabetics which can also help them to handle their mental health.

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5 tips to boost mental health when you have diabetes - Hindustan Times