Q. Can diabetes cause mood swings?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Yes, diabetes can cause mood swings. This is because when glucose levels in the bloodstream suddenly fluctuate due to diabetes, it can alter your neurotransmitter levels and affect your emotional state. Research has found that changes in blood sugar levels directly influence an individual’s ability to control their emotions. Diabetes patients who experience large fluctuations in blood glucose have more problems controlling their emotions than those with more stable levels of glucose. Mood swings associated with diabetes are common and may include depression, anger, irritability, cravings for food or drugs, and difficulty concentrating on tasks. Additionally, certain medications used to treat diabetes can also affect one’s mood by causing sleep disturbances or altering how the body metabolizes hormones like serotonin and dopamine. It is important that anyone managing their diabetes work closely with a doctor to monitor their blood sugar as well as any additional psychological symptoms they may be experiencing so they may be treated accordingly.