By: Karen Umemoto, LCSW, Integrated Care Manager
Studies have demonstrated a link between diabetes and depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people in the United States diagnosed with diabetes are twice as likely to have depression as people without diabetes. Although scientists are unsure if depression increases the risk of diabetes or diabetes increases the risk of depression, the advancement of integrated care models could hold the key to managing both diagnoses.
Many mental health disorders have symptoms that mimic symptoms of physical illnesses. By separating mental healthcare from physical healthcare, emotional and behavioral health disorders often go undetected. For example, people can mistake the physical symptoms of depression (fatigue, appetite changes, sleep changes) for diabetes symptoms. Conversely, physical illness can be overlooked in mental healthcare when physical complaints are considered part of the mental health diagnoses.
People with diabetes often need to adhere to a strict diet to help regulate blood sugar levels. However, symptoms of depression, such as feelings of worthlessness or helplessness, can make dieting more difficult. Similarly, fatigue or loss of interest in physical activities can result in weight gain which could result in more severe diabetes symptoms. Recognizing the interplay between physical and mental health empowers people to make the choices needed to holistically improve their health. The best way to treat the co-occurrence of these physical and mental health concerns is using an integrated approach between your primary care physician and a mental health professional.
Integrated care means that medical and mental health providers are members of the same care team and accessible at the same facility. Integrated care focuses on the relationship between a person’s mental and physical health, which is particularly important when people are diagnosed with depression and diabetes.
Community Reach Center has Behavioral Health Professionals/Providers (BHPs) integrated into four primary care systems in Adams County: Clinica Family Health, Rocky Mountain Youth Clinics, Salud Family Health Centers, and St. Anthony North Family Medicine. These BHPs are an essential part of the primary care team providing mental health consultation, quick assessments, mental health education, and short term solution-focused therapy. The BHPs also provide referrals to specialty mental health services as needed.
Identifying depression is the first step to getting proper treatment. If you notice a loss of interest in usual activities, a change in sleeping or eating patterns, difficulty concentrating, loss of energy, nervousness, guilt, or sadness, please talk your doctor or local community mental health provider. If you are having suicidal thoughts, call Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255 immediately to talk to a licensed therapist or peer specialist 24/7/365.
Karen S. Umemoto is the Integrated Care Manager at Community Reach Center
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Community Reach Center has worked diligently to preserve and promote a commitment to excellence, professionalism and integrity within our community health care system for nearly 60 years. We are an integral component of the community with an unparalleled team of dedicated professionals committed to providing our clients with a system of quality care that will support them in real life. The Center offers you evidence-based behavioral health services for all ages, at five outpatient offices and in public schools, community colleges, emergency rooms, physician offices and detention centers.
To learn about Community Reach Center or our services, visit www.CommunityReachCenter.org or call (303) 853-3500.