Mental Health and Diabetes: Addressing Depression and Anxiety in Older Adults in Australia and New Zealand
Managing diabetes in older adults goes beyond just monitoring blood sugar levels—it also involves addressing their mental health and emotional well-being. Studies show that seniors with diabetes are at a higher risk of depression and anxiety, yet mental health concerns in this group often go unnoticed. Understanding this link can help caregivers and healthcare providers offer more effective, holistic support to improve both physical and emotional health.
In this blog:
Understanding this relationship can help improve the physical and emotional well-being of older adults so they can be provided better support.
The Link Between Diabetes and Mental Health
Living with a chronic condition such as diabetes may significantly increase the risk of mental health issues. According to Diabetes Australia, up to 50% of people with diabetes also experience a mental illness like depression or anxiety. This is significantly higher than the general population, where approximately 1 in 4 adults will experience depression at some point in their lives. The research also shows that people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop depression compared to those without the condition.
The daily burden of managing diabetes—monitoring blood sugar, taking medications, and making lifestyle adjustments—can feel overwhelming, particularly for older adults who may already be dealing with age-related health issues. This suggests the importance of integrated care that supports both physical and mental well-being.
National health reports from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) indicate that there is a significant number of individuals with diabetes experiencing mental health concerns. It is found that:
Older adults with diabetes are more likely to experience poor mental health outcomes compared to those without diabetes.
Women with diabetes report higher rates of depression and anxiety than men.
Mental health conditions are underdiagnosed in people with diabetes, partly due to overlapping symptoms like fatigue, sleep issues, and weight changes, which are common in both diabetes and depression.
This strong correlation between diabetes and mental health issues underlines the importance of integrated care that addresses both physical and emotional health.
Recognising the Signs of Depression and Anxiety
Recognising depression and anxiety in seniors can be challenging, as symptoms often overlap with normal ageing or diabetes-related changes. However, being aware of key warning signs can help ensure early intervention and better support.
Key signs to watch for include:
Emotional Changes: Persistent sadness, irritability, feelings of hopelessness, or guilt.
Behavioural Shifts: Withdrawal from social activities, neglecting diabetes self-care, changes in appetite, or sleep disturbances.
Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things.
Physical Complaints: Unexplained aches, fatigue, or digestive issues not related to diabetes management.
If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it's crucial to seek professional support so appropriate support can be provided, even when individuals find it difficult to discuss their experiences.
More Reading: 6 Mental Health Tips for Boosting Wellbeing of Seniors and People Living With a Disability
Managing Diabetes and Mental Health at Home
While professional help is essential for seniors, consistent daily support from their carer and loved ones is just as important. There are several strategies older adults and their caregivers can implement at home to support both diabetes management and mental well-being:
Stay Connected
Older adults living alone or with mobility challenges may experience increased feelings of isolation. Social isolation may worsen depression and anxiety, so having regular contact with friends, family, or community groups—even virtually—can provide emotional support.
Physical Activity
Regular exercise is found to help manage diabetes and improve mood. This is because physical movements enhance insulin sensitivity, enabling muscle cells to utilise glucose more efficiently for energy, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. Beyond diabetes management, physical activity also triggers the release of endorphins—natural “feel-good” hormones that help alleviate stress and promote overall well-being. Effective low-impact activities include:
Walking (even short daily strolls)
Gentle yoga (to improve flexibility & relaxation)
Swimming or water aerobics (easy on joints)
Healthy Eating Habits
A balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables supports both physical and mental health. Studies on the relation of food and mood show that diets that are high in processed foods and sugar can increase the likelihood of individuals experiencing mood swings, anxiety, and depression. On the other hand, a varied healthy diet is found to have a positive impact on mood and mental health.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and other relaxation techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Consider joining mindfulness programs or online sessions to help with managing stress and anxiety.
Routine and Structure
Uncertainty can cause worry and stress among older individuals and may cause them to overthink. Maintaining a daily routine provides a sense of control and stability, which is particularly comforting for those managing chronic conditions.
Limit Alcohol and Avoid Smoking
Engaging in alcohol and smoking as coping mechanisms can adversely affect both diabetes management and mental health. For individuals with diabetes, excessive alcohol intake can disrupt blood glucose control, leading to complications. Since alcohol acts as a depressant, it alters brain chemistry and potentially exacerbates symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Seek Professional Help When Needed
When it comes to managing diabetes and mental health, it is essential to have healthcare access that is within reach. Australia’s Medicare provides rebates for psychological services, and organisations like Beyond Blue, Lifeline, and the Black Dog Institute offer support for those struggling with mental health issues:
Diabetes Australia: Offers comprehensive resources on managing both diabetes and mental health.
Beyond Blue: Provides support for depression and anxiety.
Lifeline: 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention.
Black Dog Institute: Focuses on mood disorders and mental health research.
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand: Provides resources and support specific to the New Zealand context.
Managing diabetes isn’t just about blood sugar levels—it’s about supporting mental health, building social connections, and ensuring safety. By recognising the signs of depression and anxiety early, encouraging healthy lifestyle habits, and using assistive technology like personal alarms, families can help seniors live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Tunstall personal alarms provide peace of mind, ensuring that help is always available in case of a sudden drop in blood sugar, dizziness, or a mental health crisis.
The Tunstall Gem4 and Gem5 personal alarms offer:
24/7 emergency response at the press of a button.
GPS tracking so loved ones can monitor their whereabouts.
Fall detection technology for added safety.
If you or a loved one is struggling, reach out to trusted organisations for support. For added security, explore Tunstall’s range of personal alarms to ensure peace of mind during daily activities. Support independence and safety for seniors—contact us to learn more about Tunstall’s alarms today.
More Reading: 7 Diabetes Myths You Need to Know
