Does Diabetes Cause Mood Swings? All You Need To Know

A chronic disease that's affecting atleast 830 million people across the globe. Does high blood sugar level affects one's mood? Read on...

As per data available from the World Health Organization (WHO), about 830 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes. And many of those are from the low-and middle-income countries.

Diabetes is a chronic disease which occurs when your blood glucose or blood sugar level is too high or too low, posing a threat to your overall well-being.

The Real Question

So, does a high blood sugar level cause mood swings? Diabetes is a disease that affects more than your sugar level, and living with this condition can affect your mood and mental health in the long run.

According to Healthline, a diabetes patient may start experiencing shifts in mood when their blood sugar levels are too high or too low. Meanwhile, mental health conditions like stress, depression, and anxiety can also grip up when you're managing diabetes.

"If your blood sugar levels fall outside your normal range, it can throw your command center off balance. In the same way diabetes can damage nerves in other parts of your body, it can damage nerves in your brain," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains.

"This can lead to problems with memory and learning, mood shifts, weight gain, and hormonal changes. Over time, it can also lead to other serious problems like Alzheimer's disease. Both high and low blood sugar levels can cause these harms. That's why it's important for people with diabetes to keep their blood sugar at target levels."

Other Health Risks Associated With High/Low Blood Sugar Levels?

"Diabetes raises the risk for damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. Diabetes is also linked to some types of cancer. Taking steps to prevent or manage diabetes may lower your risk of developing diabetes health problems," NIH explains.

Symptoms Of Diabetes Beyond Mood Swings

The signs and symptoms of diabetes may vary from person to person; however, an individual with low blood sugar levels may experience: confusion, dizziness, hunger, irritability, nervousness, shakiness, sweaty, tired, uncoordinated, and weak.

As for those with high blood sugar levels, one may experience symptoms like: excessive thirst, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, and unable to focus.

Brain Health And Diabetes

Here are certain measures people with diabetes can take to prevent or improve their brain health, as per NIH:

• Follow a healthy eating plan.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Keep your blood sugar within target levels.
• Get regular physical activity.
• Take medicine as prescribed.
• Stop smoking if you smoke.
• Manage stress.

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