Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting Filipino communities worldwide — including many Filipino-Australians. While blood sugar levels, insulin, and diet are frequently discussed, the emotional impact of diabetes is often overlooked.
Research consistently shows a strong link between diabetes and depression. Understanding this connection is especially important in communities where diabetes risk is higher and conversations about mental health may not always happen openly.
Diabetes in the Filipino-Australian Community
In Australia, type 2 diabetes continues to rise. People from Asian backgrounds, including Filipinos, may develop type 2 diabetes at younger ages and sometimes at lower body weight levels compared to the broader population.
Migration can also influence health. Changes in diet, long work hours, shift work, financial pressures, and adapting to a new environment all affect blood sugar control. Many Filipino-Australians juggle employment, family responsibilities, church involvement, and support for relatives overseas.
Food plays a central role in Filipino culture. Birthdays, fiestas, and gatherings often revolve around shared meals. Trying to manage diabetes while participating in these traditions can create emotional stress. Some may quietly avoid certain foods. Others may feel guilty after celebrations.
Over time, the emotional strain can build.
A Story That Feels Familiar
Maria, a 52-year-old nurse in Melbourne, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a few years after migrating to Australia. She worked night shifts and regularly sent money home to family in the Philippines.
At first, she managed her condition carefully. But as work pressures increased, she felt constantly tired and unmotivated. She began skipping glucose checks and sometimes delayed medication. She told herself she was simply stressed.
When her GP asked about her mood, Maria realised she had been experiencing depression.
Her experience is not unusual. Many Filipino-Australians may recognise similar patterns in themselves or loved ones.
How Common Is Depression Among People With Diabetes?
People living with diabetes are two to three times more likely to experience depression compared to those without the condition.
The relationship works both ways. Depression can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to stress hormones, sleep disturbances, inflammation, and lifestyle changes.
In simple terms, diabetes can increase the risk of depression — and depression can increase the risk of diabetes.
Why Are Diabetes and Depression Connected?
There is no single cause. Instead, several overlapping factors contribute.
The Emotional Weight of Daily Management
Managing diabetes requires constant attention — checking glucose levels, planning meals, monitoring physical activity, remembering medication, and worrying about long-term complications.
For migrants balancing work and family obligations, this ongoing vigilance can feel exhausting. The pressure to manage everything well may lead to frustration or feelings of failure.
Biological Pathways
Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can interfere with insulin regulation. Inflammation and changes in brain chemistry may also influence both metabolic health and mood.
The body systems involved in diabetes and depression are partly interconnected.
Impact on Motivation and Self-Care
Depression affects energy, concentration, sleep, and motivation. When someone feels persistently low, even basic self-care becomes difficult.
For a person with diabetes, this may lead to missed medications, reduced physical activity, or comfort eating. Poor blood sugar control can then worsen emotional distress, creating a difficult cycle.
Cultural Barriers to Seeking Help
In many Filipino families, resilience and strength are valued. Emotional struggles may be described as “just stress” or “pagod lang.”
However, persistent sadness, loss of interest, sleep disturbances, or feelings of hopelessness lasting more than two weeks may indicate clinical depression.
Depression is not weakness. It is a treatable medical condition.
Why This Link Matters
When diabetes and depression occur together, the combined impact can significantly affect overall health.
Blood sugar control may become more difficult.
The risk of complications may increase.
Hospital visits may become more frequent.
Quality of life may decline.
For migrant families balancing multiple responsibilities, unmanaged depression can quietly affect relationships and productivity.
The Role of Monitoring and Early Detection
Careful monitoring of physical health can support both diabetes management and emotional well-being.
Using a glucose watch can help individuals monitor their blood sugar levels more consistently, detect patterns early, and take proactive steps to better manage or reduce their risk of developing diabetes-related complications.
When blood sugar patterns become clearer, individuals often feel more in control. Reduced uncertainty can ease anxiety and improve confidence in managing the condition.
Integrated Care Is Essential
Healthcare professionals increasingly recommend a whole-person approach. Treating diabetes without addressing mental health leaves an important gap in care.
Effective strategies may include:
• Regular GP reviews
• Mental health screening
• Counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy
• Medication when clinically appropriate
• Structured diabetes education
• Peer or community support
In Australia, GPs can provide a Mental Health Care Plan, allowing access to Medicare-subsidised psychological services.
When to Seek Help
If mood changes interfere with sleep, appetite, work performance, or diabetes management for more than two weeks, professional advice should be sought.
Early support can improve both emotional well-being and blood sugar control.
Living Well With Both Conditions
Filipino-Australians are known for strong family bonds, adaptability, and faith. These strengths can also become protective factors when facing chronic illness.
Recognising the strong link between diabetes and depression allows individuals and families to act early rather than suffer silently.
Physical and emotional health are closely connected. Addressing both openly and without stigma may be one of the most important steps toward living well in Australia.
