Blood sugar and mood: Any connection?

Our 15-year-old son has diabetes. My wife claims that when his blood sugar is low he seems depressed and when his blood sugar is high he is agitated and short-tempered. Is there any connection between blood sugar level and mood?

- Jeff / California

Answer

Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can be associated with changes in mood. However, this typically occurs with extremely high or low blood sugar levels. The cause of this isn't clear.

If these moods swings occur often, consult your doctor. It is important to measure and record your child's blood sugar level when you notice a mood change. This information can help his doctor make appropriate adjustments in his diabetes medications, if needed.

Many factors may contribute to mood disorders in people with diabetes. It can take time to adjust emotionally to the diagnosis, as well as the need to manage the disease. Adolescence can be an even more difficult time to develop diabetes. If mood swings are a persistent problem, get help from your child's doctor. He or she may recommend a mental health professional to determine if factors other than diabetes are the cause.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

• Diabetes management: How lifestyle, daily routine affect blood sugar
• Diabetes diet: Create your healthy-eating plan

RELATED

• Diabetes: How does it affect my liver?
• Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes
• Diabulimia: How are diabetes and eating disorders related?
• Diabetes care: 10 ways to avoid diabetes complications
• Erectile dysfunction and diabetes: Take control today
• Have diabetes? Stop cardiovascular disease in its tracks
• Amputation and diabetes: How to protect your feet
• Gestational diabetes
• Type 1 diabetes
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Dehydration
• Type 2 diabetes
• Diabetic coma
• Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Diabetic neuropathy

MayoClinic.com Bookstore

• 'Mayo Clinic on Managing Diabetes,' Second Edition (Softcover)