Panic and Diabetes

Those of us in the field of psychology and who have dealt with patients who had medical illnesses have known that there's a strong connection between physical and mental health. So, it comes as no surprise that new research is providing yet more support for our beliefs. This time it's about diabetes.

Research that has just been published in one of the major psychiatric journals (General Hospital Psychiatry, November 2006) indicates that almost 5% of the patients (193 of them) of the 4400 who had diabetes also had panic and depression. Average red blood cell glucose levels, or A1c levels, were above the recommended level of 7.0 or less.

The researchers indicate that it may be a problem of self-care in these patients, but didn't note whether or not there was a metabolic connection. Either way, it seems that how you feel dictates how you treat yourself and how well you maintain your blood sugar levels, exercise and diet. The latter two can contribute to the development of diabetes which has become, according to medical experts, an epidemic in the United States.

So, it might seem that going for a brisk walk instead of eating that cookie or ice cream is going to be good for your health in all areas.

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