Anxiety and Diabetes

Does anyone get horrible anxiety or panic attacks since they have gotten diabetes? I have had diabetes for about 3 years and that is when i started to get the panic attacks and anxiety. I am on medication called nirivam which helps me alot because it works with in 15 min of taking to help calm me down. I was curious if anyone else gets anxiety…I know its all in my head and i talk myself into it. Its funny how the mind works in crazy ways!!!

Biochemically, as well as cognitively, anxiety and depression are different sides of the same coin. Must of us know that diabetes can cause depression but are not aware that anxiety is part of the equation. So it may not all be in your head, it could be chemical. Meds obviously help but if you are not experiencing depression, just anxiety, then you may want to consider getting some cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT as well as standard behavior therapies are the best for anxiety and often times you can get relief in a very few sessions. If you decide to pursue this and start calling therapists in your area, just ask them if they offer CBT prior to going to visit them. This will save you alot of time and trouble of going to multiple therapists.

Another question for you, have you had your thyroid levels checked recently? a thyroid being out of whack can bring on depression and/or anxiety. Just an idea…

Wow thats why they always say you need to be your own doctor…when i first got diabetes my doctor never gave me a A1C nor did he put me any long acting insulin…well lets just say i called the office last year and he has been let go…

Thanks I will def get on calling some doctors to see if they offer this. I have been tested for depression when I first started to feel and recognize my anxiety and they have ruled that out… I have heard that diabetes can cause depression… Thankfully I didnt feel that way when I got my diabetes ( trust me i do have my good days and bad days…especially in the beg.) Yes I have had my thyroids also checked. I have tried some anti depressant meds because they are suposed to help with anxiety and I never felt any relief from them.

Cymbalta works really well for the people I work with who have type 2 and anxiety. It can make a world of difference! With any medicine it can take time for them to find what works best for you so hang in there Sherri!

I started taking Cymbalta in September (2008) and have lost over 45 pounds, my blood sugar levels have been almost perfect, my last A1C was 5.7 (January) and I have been feeling great, exercising and kept my weight down. I still have a few more pounds to lose. Only draw back is that around later part of January, I had a craving for sweets. My doctor told me that this is a natural occurrence for someone that has diabetes and is taking Cymbalta, that after four months of taking the product, craving sugar occurs but only last for a little while. I was able to get through it okay, only a few slip ups, but it did not affect my sugar levels. I think that it was the best regiment for me, adding Cymbalta with my Metformin (500mg 2x/Day).

Yep I have tried it… I found that works for me is the Nirivam…but it more helps at that moment…im hopeing when I go on the pump I will have less attacks because they are mostly brought on because I give myself a shot and I feel like “what if I go in a low and im all by myself?” Doesnt help I use to have a huge fear of needles! Thanks for all your guys help!

Definitely sounds like some cognitive behavior therapy could help with those thoughts and fears you are having. It is amazing how our brains tell us things that totally freak us out!