Diabetes and depression/STDs

[wondering why]

Does depression have a huge impact on thoses with Diabetes? Will it cause a chemical embalance in the body messing up her medication treatment? All Medication not just insulin
How do uncurable STDs affect Diabetics and the medication their on if not insulin?

[JDRF-Team-ES]

I am not a doctor, only a volunteer who has diabetes, so please understand that my answers are not based on any medical knowledge.  I think having any chronic illness, and diabetes certainly qualifies for that, can cause depression in some people.  When first diagnosed, it can be very difficult to accept that you have an illness that you will have probably for the rest of your life.  As time goes on, for some it may get easier, but for others the realization of how much effort it takes to manage diabetes every day and that even with all the effort, you are not always successful, can cause further depression.  For others, depression is a part of their chemical make-up and really has nothing to do with having diabetes except that it is one more chronic problem they have to deal with. Neither depresion nor diabetes are easy to manage or live with.

Fortunately there are new and effective medicines for both illnesses. Your question is a good one and certainly should be asked of your endocrinologist and the person prescribing meds for the depression.  There are medicines that could impact your blood sugars and that is definitely something your doctor would be able to tell you about.  There are many differnt drugs for treating depression and your doctor should be able to find one that works for you with minimal impact on the effectiveness of your insulin and other medications.  

Again, I don't know the medical impact of STDs on insulin or other drugs.  That is another good question for the doctor.  I do know that those STDs which are viral can affect blood sugars when there is a flare up, just like any virus will.  I guess what strikes me most about your question is how very stressful and difficult it must be to live with what sounds like three chronic illnesses...diabetes, depression and an uncurable STD.  The diabetes alone could cause some depression.  This is a lot for anyone to deal with.  I would encourage you to get all your questions answered by your physician, but also to get yourself some support, either in a group or individually.  Having had diabetes for nearly 40 years, I know that going through difficult times becuase of your health can be very depressing and demoralizing, but going through all of this alone can be unbearable. There are lots of people out there who can really empathize and understand what you are going through and you certainly deserve some support.  I know that the medical issues, although difficult, can be worked out.  I hope you are able to find the support you need to address the other issues.  I wish you well,
Es