Therefore, it is important to work with a reliable and trustworthy source. Some herbs commonly used in diabetes treatment include: Panax Ginseng , Momodica charantia, Lagenaria siceraria, and Psidium gnajava.

Botanical Medicines and Supplements. The following supplements can be beneficial for those with diabetes. However, you should talk with your healthcare provider before adding botanicals to your health regimen and ask about the right dosage for you.

Chronic stress increases the release of glucose from the liver and decreases insulin receptor sensitivity, making insulin work less effectively. Stress management helps individuals more effectively regulate their diet and exercise, which are both important in managing diabetes.

Meditation , the Relaxation Response, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction MBSR , and biofeedback are just a few of the practices that have been used to manage stress, and have positive impacts on the diabetic patient. Brand-Miller, J.

The New Glucose Revolution Life Plan: Discover How to Make the Glycemic Index the Foundation for a Lifetime of Healthy Eating. Perseus Publishing. Hammerly, M. Diabetes: The New Integrative Approach: How to Combine the Best of Traditional and Alternative Therapies.

Breadcrumb Home Consider Integrative Therapies to Help Diabetes Management. Related Articles Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The Positive Impact of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.

What is Diabetes? The three main types of diabetes are Type 1, also known as juvenile diabetes Type 2 diabetes Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women during the pregnancy, but resolves after delivery How is Diabetes Treated?

When your physician diagnoses diabetes, it is likely that he or she will suggest the following: Insulin always in type 1 and sometimes in type 2 Monitoring blood sugar levels Oral medication type 2 The goal of all diabetic treatment is to normalize blood-glucose sugar levels as much as possible, and to minimize the following long-term complications of diabetes.

Some changes include: Healthy, low-fat, high-fiber, nutritious diet , minimizing simple and processed sugars Exercise Weight loss if appropriate or maintenance of a healthy weight What Are Some Integrative Therapies to Consider for Diabetes?

Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM focuses on individualizing a plan to restore balance and harmony, depending upon the nature of the diagnosed imbalance. Botanical Medicines and Supplements The following supplements can be beneficial for those with diabetes.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid ALA is a strong antioxidant which improves glucose uptake and prevents glycosylation, a process in the body where sugars are inappropriately hooked onto proteins and fats.

Essential Fatty Acids can protect against the nerve and blood vessel damage from diabetes by increasing insulin secretion and lowering cholesterol levels.

Insulin, produced by the pancreas, controls blood sugar levels by allowing glucose to enter the cells to be used as energy. Type 2 diabetes is when your cells don't respond normally to insulin, resulting in insulin resistance.

The pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels in normal ranges. It's called non-insulin-dependent diabetes because the body can still make and use insulin, albeit ineffectively.

Lifestyle factors are the primary driver of this condition. Type 1 diabetes, on the other hand, is insulin dependent. It is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

This causes an inability to produce insulin, which makes the person dependent on insulin injections for survival.

The elevated blood glucose levels characteristic of type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health problems over time, including heart disease , kidney disease, liver disease, peripheral neuropathy , stroke, retinopathy eye problems , and increased susceptibility to infections.

In type 2 diabetes, the inability to effectively use insulin and manage blood sugar levels results in many symptoms. Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:. It's important to note that not everyone with type 2 diabetes experiences symptoms, and some people may have mild symptoms.

Being proactive about your health is vital to optimal wellness. Regular visits to your Functional Medicine practitioner will help identify biological imbalances that could indicate whether you are at increased risk for developing diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. The primary risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include:. It's important to note that having one or more of these risk factors doesn't necessarily mean you'll develop type 2 diabetes, but it's essential to be aware of them and make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk.

An Integrative Medicine protocol for reversing type 2 diabetes begins with a thorough history and physical examination.

Your practitioner will dive deep into your lifestyle, past medical history, and environmental exposures to assess what physical and functional laboratory evaluations will be necessary to identify the root causes of your type 2 diabetes. Cortisol and melatonin are hormones that are released in circadian cycles.

Cortisol rises in the morning to signal to the body that it's time to rise and shine, and melatonin increases at night to signal that it's time for that deep rest that sleep provides.

If you struggle with insomnia, this test also allows you to collect a cortisol sample during the night. Evaluating micronutrients in the body will determine whether deficiencies or insufficiencies are present. This will help your Integrative Medicine practitioner create targeted supplement recommendations to support your healing process.

This comprehensive Micronutrients Panel by Vibrant America evaluates many micronutrients in the body, including Vitamin D3, inositol, magnesium, zinc, and chromium, which may be associated with type 2 diabetes.

A comprehensive blood workup will provide helpful baseline information regarding blood sugar regulation, blood lipid levels, and information about liver and kidney function, which can become impaired in type 2 diabetes. A comprehensive workup for type 2 diabetes would include CBC , CMP which tests fasting blood glucose levels , hemoglobin A1c HbA1c , insulin , and a lipid panel.

An oral glucose tolerance test measures blood sugar levels before and after drinking a sugary beverage to determine how well your cells respond to glucose.

Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is important to help manage diabetes. This can be done through self-monitoring with a glucose meter or continuous glucose monitoring CGM devices. Comprehensive stool testing will provide valuable information about the gut microbiome to determine whether dysbiosis is affecting your diabetes.

Evaluating toxins in the body with a urine test, such as the Vibrant Wellness Total Tox-Burden , will help your practitioner determine whether toxin exposure is contributing to the root cause of your diabetes.

There are times when conventional treatments are necessary, in conjunction with lifestyle modifications and natural therapies, to provide an Integrative Medicine solution that supports your best healing process.

Conventional medical treatments for type 2 diabetes typically focus on managing blood sugar levels through medication. Several medications treat type 2 diabetes, including metformin, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and SGLT2 inhibitors.

These medications work in different ways to lower blood sugar levels. In some cases, people with type 2 diabetes may need to take insulin to manage their blood sugar levels. Insulin is typically injected under the skin or delivered through an insulin pump.

Type 2 diabetes is primarily driven by lifestyle, so it should be no surprise that the best way to reverse type 2 diabetes is to begin with lifestyle changes.

Exercise is an excellent place to start when it comes to improving blood glucose and insulin regulation. If you have previously lived a sedentary lifestyle and adding exercise sounds daunting, there's good news. Research shows that walking for just 15 minutes after meals can significantly improve glucose control.

Nutrition plays a critical role in managing type 2 diabetes. An Integrative Medicine protocol for reversing type 2 diabetes incorporates a nutritional plan that ensures adequate protein and healthy fats and emphasizes whole, organic, nutrient-dense, low glycemic, high-fiber foods.

Low glycemic and high-fiber foods are important as they minimize blood sugar spikes and support better glucose control. A specific dietary approach with evidence to support its benefits for type 2 diabetes is the Mediterranean Diet.

A Mediterranean Diet has been shown to support better blood glucose control and a healthy gut microbiome, which is an important consideration for those struggling with type 2 diabetes.

Another nutritional approach to consider for type 2 diabetes is intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting can help reverse or manage type 2 diabetes by improving blood glucose control. Fasting regimens vary, including alternate-day and time-restricted fasting, and have been shown to reverse insulin resistance and improve blood glucose levels.

If environmental toxin exposure is a factor in your diabetes, eating as organic and clean as possible is essential. The Environmental Working Group has a few resources to help you choose which foods to focus on purchasing organic the Dirty Dozen list and which conventional produce are less contaminated with pesticides the Clean Fifteen list.

Stress management techniques, including yoga and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction MBSR therapy, have been shown to support improvements in blood glucose control.

Acupuncture therapy is a Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM treatment that uses tiny needles at specific points on the body to improve energy flow and support healing and well-being. Acupuncture therapy has been shown to improve fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels in diabetic patients.

Myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol are forms of inositol that have been shown to significantly reduce fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels, indicating improvement in blood glucose control. Supplementation to restore nutrients shown to be deficient or insufficient with micronutrient testing is vital for the optimal function of the body's biological processes, including blood sugar regulation.

Vitamin D , zinc , chromium , and magnesium are nutrients that improve blood glucose control. Various herbal supplements have been shown to improve parameters associated with better blood glucose control, such as fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and insulin levels.

Herbal supplements that should be considered in an Integrative Medicine protocol for reversing type 2 diabetes include curcumin , cinnamon , berberine , and gymnema.

Probiotic supplementation is another crucial and helpful strategy for supporting type 2 diabetes. Probiotics have not only been shown to treat dysbiosis by creating beneficial changes in the gut microbiome, but they have also been shown to improve blood glucose control in diabetes.

If toxin exposure is determined to be involved in the root cause of your type 2 diabetes, your practitioner will recommend various foods and supplements to support your body in detoxification.

Foods that help the body's detoxification mechanisms include cruciferous vegetables, berries, celery, carrots, parsnips, parsley, garlic, onions, and grapefruit. Staying adequately hydrated is also critical when undergoing detoxification treatments.

Supplements that support detoxification include glutathione, N-acetylcysteine NAC , Vitamin C, milk thistle, and fiber. Making changes that support the natural circadian rhythm of the body can be helpful for better glucose control as well as supporting overall well-being.

Lifestyle modifications that support getting adequate sleep will help support better glucose control. Supplementing with melatonin at night before bed may help support better sleep if you suffer from sleep issues.

Melatonin may also support better glucose control when it's taken away from food. Studies indicate elevated melatonin concentrations with food intake reduce glucose control. This supports the notion that eating close to bedtime is not a health-promoting habit.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition in which the body's cells don't respond to insulin properly. This reduces the ability of glucose to enter the cells to produce cellular energy and results in elevated blood glucose levels.

This condition can negatively affect your overall health and well-being and lead to other chronic diseases. An Integrative Medicine Protocol for reversing type 2 diabetes includes a thorough understanding of your genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors that may be contributing as a root cause.

A well-rounded treatment approach relies heavily on lifestyle modifications, including physical activity and dietary changes, as well as supplementation and other therapies to support your unique biology in overcoming this condition. If you're struggling with type 2 diabetes and feel overwhelmed by the thought of changing your lifestyle, you may find it encouraging to know that even small changes can be helpful.

For example, walking for just 15 minutes after meals can significantly improve blood glucose control. Talk with your practitioner about the steps you can take to improve your blood glucose control and reverse your type 2 diabetes.

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Botanical Medicines and Supplements. The following supplements can be beneficial for those with diabetes. However, you should talk with your healthcare provider before adding botanicals to your health regimen and ask about the right dosage for you.

Chronic stress increases the release of glucose from the liver and decreases insulin receptor sensitivity, making insulin work less effectively. Stress management helps individuals more effectively regulate their diet and exercise, which are both important in managing diabetes.

Meditation , the Relaxation Response, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction MBSR , and biofeedback are just a few of the practices that have been used to manage stress, and have positive impacts on the diabetic patient. Brand-Miller, J. The New Glucose Revolution Life Plan: Discover How to Make the Glycemic Index the Foundation for a Lifetime of Healthy Eating.

Perseus Publishing. Hammerly, M. Diabetes: The New Integrative Approach: How to Combine the Best of Traditional and Alternative Therapies.

Breadcrumb Home Consider Integrative Therapies to Help Diabetes Management. Related Articles Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The Positive Impact of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. What is Diabetes? The three main types of diabetes are Type 1, also known as juvenile diabetes Type 2 diabetes Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women during the pregnancy, but resolves after delivery How is Diabetes Treated?

When your physician diagnoses diabetes, it is likely that he or she will suggest the following: Insulin always in type 1 and sometimes in type 2 Monitoring blood sugar levels Oral medication type 2 The goal of all diabetic treatment is to normalize blood-glucose sugar levels as much as possible, and to minimize the following long-term complications of diabetes.

Some changes include: Healthy, low-fat, high-fiber, nutritious diet , minimizing simple and processed sugars Exercise Weight loss if appropriate or maintenance of a healthy weight What Are Some Integrative Therapies to Consider for Diabetes?

Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM focuses on individualizing a plan to restore balance and harmony, depending upon the nature of the diagnosed imbalance. Botanical Medicines and Supplements The following supplements can be beneficial for those with diabetes. Alpha-Lipoic Acid ALA is a strong antioxidant which improves glucose uptake and prevents glycosylation, a process in the body where sugars are inappropriately hooked onto proteins and fats.

Essential Fatty Acids can protect against the nerve and blood vessel damage from diabetes by increasing insulin secretion and lowering cholesterol levels. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that improves insulin resistance and reduces free radical tissue damage. It is important for healthy immunity and wound healing.

Similarly, people who move from a non-Westernized country to a Westernized country such as the United States, where more people are overweight and live sedentary lives increase their risk for type 2 diabetes. Studies suggest that you do not need vigorous physical activity to lower your risk of diabetes; moderate, regular exercise, such as walking for 30 minutes most days of the week, is enough.

In general, lifestyle changes recommended to treat diabetes may help prevent the condition as well. The goal of diabetes treatment is to achieve and maintain healthy blood glucose levels. A major study called the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial DCCT found that people with diabetes who kept their blood glucose levels close to normal reduced their risk of developing major complications from the condition.

People with diabetes can use the following therapies to help manage their blood glucose levels and to prevent complications:. People with diabetes can improve significantly from lifestyle changes, particularly diet and exercise. People with type 2 diabetes may even eliminate the need for medications when they make appropriate lifestyle changes.

The ADA recommends that people with diabetes consume a healthy, low-fat diet, rich in grains, fruits, and vegetables. Carbohydrates tend to have the greatest effect on blood glucose.

The balance between the amount of carbohydrate eaten and the available insulin determines how much the blood glucose level goes up after meals or snacks. To help control blood glucose, people should watch how many carbohydrate servings they eat each day.

Foods that contain a high amount of carbohydrates include grains, pasta, and rice; breads, crackers, and cereals; starchy vegetables, including potatoes, corn, peas, and winter squash; legumes such as beans, peas, and lentils; fruits and fruit juices; milk and yogurt; and sweets and desserts.

Non-starchy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, broccoli, salad greens, and green beans, are very low in carbohydrates. Carbohydrate counting can ensure that the right amount of carbohydrate is eaten at each meal and snack. A dietitian can help each person work out a dietary plan that is right for them.

In addition, weight loss should be part of the plan for those with type 2 diabetes. Moderate weight loss achieved by reducing calories by to per day and exercising regularly controls not only blood sugars, but also blood pressure and cholesterol.

People with diabetes who eat healthy, well-balanced diets do not need to take extra vitamins or minerals to treat their condition. Exercise plays an important role in both the prevention and management of diabetes because it lowers blood sugar and helps insulin work more efficiently in the body.

Exercise also enhances cardiovascular fitness by improving blood flow and increasing the heart's pumping power, promoting weight loss and lowering blood pressure. However, exercise has the most value when it's done regularly, at least 3 to 4 sessions per week for 30 to 60 minutes per session.

As little as 20 minutes of walking, 3 times a week, has a proven beneficial effect. People with type 2 diabetes who exercise regularly have been shown to lose weight and gain better control over their blood pressure, thereby reducing their risk for cardiovascular disease a major complication of diabetes.

Studies have also shown that people with type 1 diabetes who exercise regularly reduce their need for insulin injections. Despite the benefits of exercise, many people have difficulty sticking with an exercise program for a long period of time.

Health care providers can help develop suitable routines, as well as strategies that may improve adherence to such routines. Anyone with long-standing diabetes should have a thorough screening before starting an exercise program and receive careful monitoring from a doctor.

Medications for diabetes must always be used in combination with lifestyle changes, particularly diet and exercise, to improve the symptoms of diabetes. Medications include insulin, oral sulfonylureas like glimepiride, glyburide, and tolazamide , biguanides Metformin , alpha-glucosidase inhibitors such as acarbose , thiazolidinediones such as rosiglitazone and meglitinides including repaglinide and nateglinide.

A new agent in the fight against diabetes, exenatide Byetta , is an injectable drug that reduces the level of sugar glucose in the blood. In clinical studies, patients treated with exenatide achieved lower blood glucose levels and lost weight. Exenatide was approved by the U. Food and Drug Administration in May Several other agents are under investigation including sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, G-protein-coupled receptor agonists, and the balanced dual perpexisome proliferator-activated receptor agents.

Considerable research has been conducted on the relationship between diabetes and specific nutrients and dietary supplements. Dietary supplements may increase the effects of blood sugar-lowering medications, including insulin.

When considering the use of supplements or making dietary changes, be sure to discuss these changes with your health care provider to ensure safety and appropriateness.

Supplements with Blood Sugar Lowering Effects. Found in a variety of foods and supplements, including liver, brewer's yeast, cheese, meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, chromium appears to enhance the body's sensitivity to insulin. Researchers believe that chromium helps insulin pull glucose from the bloodstream into the cells for energy.

The benefit of chromium supplements for diabetes has been studied and debated for years. While some studies show no beneficial effects of chromium use for people with diabetes, other studies have shown that chromium supplements may reduce blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes and reduce the need for insulin in those with type 1 diabetes.

Most Americans get at least 50 mcg of chromium in their diets each day. The National Research Council estimates that intakes of 50 to mcg per day are safe and effective. Clinical studies showing improved blood sugar control for those with diabetes have used doses of chromium picolinate ranging from to 1, mcg per day.

However, until human studies of long-term safety are conducted with higher doses, it is best to use mcg or less per day. Chromium may interact negatively with insulin and thyroid medicines.

Speak with your doctor if you have a history of kidney or liver disease, or are being treated for a psychiatric disorder. Several clinical studies have demonstrated a strong association between low levels of magnesium in the blood and type 2 diabetes.

However, researchers are still unclear about the cause and effect in that association. They are investigating whether low magnesium levels worsen blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes or whether diabetes causes magnesium deficiencies.

Some experts believe that low magnesium levels worsen blood sugar control and that foods rich in magnesium such as whole grains, green leafy vegetables, bananas, legumes, nuts, and seeds or magnesium supplements may promote healthy blood glucose levels.

At least one small study suggests that taking magnesium supplements may improve the action of insulin and decrease blood sugar levels, particularly in the elderly.

People with severe heart disease or kidney disease should not take magnesium supplements. People with diabetes should talk with their health care provider about whether it is safe and appropriate to take magnesium supplements. Magnesium can interact with some medications. Magnesium may lower blood pressure and cardiac output, and potentially interact with some cardiac medications.

Excess magnesium can cause diarrhea. Studies suggest that a high-fiber diet may help:. People with irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, or other digestive issues should speak with their doctor before adding fiber to their diet. Studies have also shown that cholesterol levels improved in people with type 2 diabetes after they took supplements of a soluble fiber known as psyllium Plantago psyllium.

Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber derived from the cell walls of algae, bacteria, fungi, yeast, and plants. It is commonly used for its cholesterol-lowering effects. There are several human trials supporting the use of beta-glucan for glycemic blood sugar control.

Vanadium is an essential trace mineral present in the soil and in many foods. It appears to mimic the action of insulin and, in a number of human studies, vanadyl sulfate a form of vanadium has increased insulin sensitivity in those with type 2 diabetes.

Animal studies and some small human studies also suggest that vanadium may lower blood glucose to normal levels reducing the need for insulin in people with diabetes. One preliminary clinical study found that people with diabetes using insulin who were given vanadium were able to lower their dose of insulin.

Vanadium may slow blood clotting, so people who take blood-thinning medication such as warfarin Coumadin and aspirin should check with their doctor before adding vanadium supplements to their regimen.

People with a history of kidney issues should speak with their doctor before using vanadium supplements. Melatonin is a natural hormone secreted in the brain.

Studies link low melatonin secretion with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Melatonin can cause sleepiness and potentially interact with some psychiatric medications and medications used to treat insomnia. Antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamin C are scavengers of free radicals, unstable and potentially damaging molecules generated by normal chemical reactions in the body.

Free radicals are unstable because they lack one electron. In an attempt to replace this missing electron, the free radical molecules react with neighboring molecules in a process called oxidation.

Some studies suggest that people with diabetes have elevated levels of free radicals and lower levels of antioxidants. Preliminary clinical studies show that the following antioxidants may improve diabetes by returning blood glucose levels to the normal range and reduce the risk of associated complications:.

Two additional substances that show preliminary evidence to possibly help control blood sugar include:. Since insulin resistance is often associated with cardiovascular disease, people with diabetes may benefit from nutrients that help manage elevated blood lipid levels, high blood pressure, or heart failure.

Although the following supplements have been shown to improve cardiovascular health, there is some concern that they may raise blood glucose levels, and they may interact with certain medications.

People with diabetes interested in trying the following supplements should first consult with their health care providers:. Although clinical studies have not shown that either CoQ10 or omega-3 fatty acid supplements raise blood sugar levels, people with diabetes should discuss the safety and appropriateness of using these, or any supplements, with their health care provider or pharmacist, particularly if they are taking other medications.

CoQ10 can potentially increase the clotting tendency of blood while omega-3 fatty acids can potentially decrease it.

Niacin in certain amounts can potentially damage the liver. Work with your physician to find the types and amounts of supplements that are right for you. In addition, the following antioxidants have been shown to improve cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Work with your doctor to see if these are appropriate for you as they can potentially interact with other medications and may potentially worsen other medical conditions:. Several clinical studies have also found that elevated manganese levels may help protect against LDL oxidation a process that contributes to the development of plaque in the arteries.

People have long used plant-based medicines in the treatment of diabetes. For instance, the plant extract guanidine, which lowers blood glucose, prompted the development and use of biguanides, a commonly used oral medication for diabetes. Other herbs may have a role in the management or prevention of diabetes.

Always talk to your health care provider about any herbs you consider using. Some herbs may interact with medications and some may lower your blood sugar. When combined with blood sugar-lowering medications, some herbs can bring your blood sugar to a dangerously low level.

Some researchers speculate that acupuncture may trigger the release of natural painkillers and reduce the debilitating symptoms of a complication of diabetes known as neuropathy nerve damage.

Given these findings, acupuncture may be a reasonable option for people with diabetes who have neuropathy, and either find no symptom relief, or develop side effects from conventional drug treatment. Stressful life events can worsen diabetes in several ways.

For example, stress stimulates the nervous and endocrine systems in ways that increase blood glucose levels and disrupt healthful behaviors increasing the chances that an individual may consume excess calories and limit his or her physical activity, a pattern that leads to elevated blood glucose.

It makes sense then to consider stress management as part of the treatment and prevention of diabetes. Clinical studies have reported that people with diabetes who participate in biofeedback sessions a technique that increases awareness and control of the body's response to stress are more likely to reach target blood glucose levels than those who do not receive biofeedback.

Although other studies have produced conflicting results, researchers and clinicians agree that long-term stress is likely to worsen diabetes and that biofeedback, tai chi, yoga, and other forms of relaxation may help motivate people with diabetes to change their habits to manage their condition.

Women of child-bearing age who have diabetes should consult an endocrine specialist about the benefits of managing glucose levels before trying to conceive. Risk factors for developing diabetes while pregnant include:. Normalizing glucose levels in women with gestational diabetes reduces their risk of complications, such as having an overweight baby, birth trauma, or the need for cesarean section.

If the mother's glucose levels are uncontrolled, an infant can be stillborn or suffer from complications, including defects of the brain or central nervous system, an abnormally large body or organs, heart or kidney abnormalities, asphyxia, respiratory distress, and heart failure.

If dietary restrictions fail to improve glucose levels, a woman with gestational diabetes may need insulin. Women should not take oral diabetes medications during pregnancy. Women who develop gestational diabetes may experience the condition again in subsequent pregnancies.

Gestational diabetes also increases the risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Depressive symptoms are associated with an increased risk of diabetes.

The association cannot be explained by the use of antidepressant drugs or being overweight. Depression is an important risk factor for diabetes. People who maintain tight control over their blood glucose levels can prevent or delay the development of long-term complications from diabetes.

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