Diabetes is a condition suffered by more than 21 million Americans, and that does not include those who are diagnosed. In 2005 almost one-quarter million Americans died from complications of this disease. And unfortunately the number is on the rise, despite our extensive knowledge and medical care. Most people are not aware of diabetic symptoms until they or one of their loved ones are stricken with it. Causes are multiple, genetics, lack of exercise, poor eating habits,and obesity are a few.

One of the conditions that often develops as a result of diabetes is depression. The reasons are many. Knowing you now have a long term illness, knowing you need to change your lifestyle and dietary habits- even if you do not want to, having to take oral medication or injecting insulin into your body, among other things. These changes in your life can hit you hard , mentally. Often one becomes sad, empty, anxious, and feels helpless, hopeless, and worthless over his or her newfound condition. These symptoms are parts of depression which affects 20 to 30% of the diabetic population.

You may have diabetes. Diabetes is a disease. You are not the disease. You can be in control. Even a small decrease in blood glucose can produce decreases in the vascular complications of the kidneys, eyes,and nervous system. All of these complications can, in turn, contribute to depression.

Lifestyle can help in kicking this demon down. According to Kareem Kulkami, MSc.,RD. of The Diabetes Center at St. Mark's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, "If you have the right health behavior in place prior to developing diabetes, it's not such a huge adjustment if you get diagnosed." Exercise is very important for the body,as it reduces blood glucose levels by burning calories,and the the body's response to insulin is much better. Again according to Kulkami, "When it comes to physical activity, the baseline is what you are currently doing. Anything that expands on that is good. So for a sedentary person who is not moving a whole lot, Adding a walk around the block is an improvement. The goal is to do more than your baseline and gradually increase from there." And this should, or rather must be done on a consistent basis.

If you are pet person, take your dog for a walk. Or take a walk and when you come home, pet your cat. Or if you have fish, take a walk, come home, sit and watch the fish in your aquarium. The key is not to radically change your lifestyle, but to do it gradually. But just do it!

If you are stressed, break large tasks into smaller ones. Prioritize them and do them as well as you can. Do not overload.

Spend time with loved ones and friends. This is good for you emotionally. Let them be part of your therapy. Go to a ballgame,a movie, or another social activity that you find some joy in. Read some inspirational literature.

Again, do this consistently! Then you will begin to feel better and less depressed, little by little, but better and better. Consistently done,it will become habit, and you will feel life become more joyful and be less of a victim to you condition.