Dr. Srinath A, Endocrinologist, Sheds Light on the Complex Interplay Between Mental Health, Metabolic Disorders, and the Pandemic
Infectious diseases and metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, have long been significant global health challenges. Concurrently, the rising prevalence of depression has emerged as a substantial burden on public health worldwide.
The coexistence of depression and diabetes is often overlooked, yet it poses serious consequences. Without early detection and appropriate management, these conditions can become increasingly challenging to address as they progress.
Dr. Srinath A, an experienced endocrinologist at BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital, emphasizes the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has understandably prioritized the management and stabilization of acute illnesses, including communicable diseases. However, amidst this focus, depression has seemingly taken a backseat.
While improved access to healthcare and advancements in medical technology have contributed to a decline in infectious diseases and related mortality rates, seasonal and endemic infections persist as challenges. These infections have re-emerged due to demographic shifts, climate changes, frequent travel, urbanization, and population surges.
The harmful interactions between infectious and metabolic diseases primarily affect the immune system and vital organs such as the liver, pancreas, gut, brain, kidneys, adrenal glands, and adipose tissue. For instance, acute infections that directly impact the pancreas can significantly increase the risk of developing diabetes, leading to severe metabolic repercussions as the infection directly affects the insulin-producing cells. Alternatively, chronic or repeated viral exposure can adversely affect insulin production at a molecular level, triggering an autoimmune response.
“Brain fogging,” characterized by temporary clouding of thoughts, can occur due to tight blood glucose control or dietary changes affecting food absorption. It is crucial for patients to promptly inform healthcare professionals about such symptoms to ensure appropriate adjustments to their management plans.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the coexistence of a communicable viral crisis and the existing non-communicable pandemic of metabolic diseases, which collectively affect a significant portion of the global population, resulting in compromised quality of life and poor outcomes.
Understanding the different health-related challenges posed by diabetes and depression is vital. While depression can exhibit noticeable changes over a short period, such as decreased appetite, weight loss, sleep disturbances, concentration issues, mood swings, headaches, and loss of interest, diabetes may not cause obvious symptoms in some individuals with high blood glucose levels. It is also important to recognize the risks associated with prediabetes, which can progress rapidly into full-blown diabetes without appropriate lifestyle interventions like a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
Notably, individuals with depression have a higher risk of developing diabetes, while patients with diabetes are at a greater risk of experiencing symptoms of depression. Additionally, individuals with diabetes face an elevated risk of severe COVID-19 and secondary infections like bacterial or fungal infections. Furthermore, there seems to be an increased susceptibility to depression during the recovery phase of COVID-19.
The lockdown and quarantine measures implemented during the pandemic have also contributed to an upsurge in depression cases.
Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness about the intricate relationship between depression, diabetes, and COVID-19. Prompt identification by healthcare professionals and education for individuals and their families are essential, as managing the interplay between these conditions can be particularly challenging.
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