The free DVD, Taking Control: Diabetes, Depression & Anxiety, features interviews with:

• people who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and depression and/or an anxiety disorder - and a carer
• health professionals including a psychologist and an endocrinologist.

They talk about how to manage both diabetes and depression/anxiety and have tips for taking control of these conditions.

Professor Prasuna Reddy, psychologist and Director of Research, Department of Rural Health at Flinders and Deakin Universities appears on the DVD and says it is common for people with diabetes to be depressed.

"In fact, depression in people with diabetes is under-diagnosed, under-treated and under-managed by health professionals largely because of the overlap of symptoms, but treating the diabetes is not going to manage the depression.

"Having diabetes is tough. Diabetes doesn't take a holiday and requires ongoing daily management which can often get people down. Sometimes it's hard to tell what comes first, the diabetes or the depression. Either way, it's important for health professionals to screen for depression in people with diabetes, and ensure people get appropriate treatment.

"If people with diabetes are feeling down, have no interest in their usual activities and are getting little enjoyment out of life, they should talk to their doctor or diabetes educator about depression," she said.

Leonie Young, CEO of beyondblue says it's important that carers of people with diabetes look after themselves as they are at increased risk of developing depression.

"Caring for a person with a chronic illness and a mental health problem can take its toll and it's important that carers understand the caring role can put them at increased risk of developing health problems themselves, including depression and anxiety. Don't feel your problems aren't important. If things are getting you down, talk to your doctor," she said.

Are there links between depression and diabetes?

Research indicates there are strong links between depression and diabetes. Depression is very common - one in five people will have depression at some time in their adult lifetime. For people who live with diabetes, this figure is even higher.

Research shows that having diabetes more than doubles the risk of developing depression. Living with a chronic illness like diabetes, coping with biological and hormonal factors, plus needing to manage the condition, may increase the risk of depression, along with the threat of developing complications such as damage to the eyes (retinopathy), nerves (neuropathy) and kidneys (nephropathy).

• Depression can double the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. This may be due to elevated stress hormones and weight gain, as people with depression are often inactive.
• Depression can also increase the likelihood of developing diabetes complications. People with depression may find it hard to deal with everyday tasks. Over time, managing diabetes (regular blood glucose testing, taking medication, following a healthy eating plan and needing 'to do' regular physical activity) can take its toll. This may increase a person's risk of depression, which may in turn lead to their usual diabetes care being neglected.

Greg Johnson, Acting CEO of Diabetes Australia says: "It is important for Diabetes Australia to partner with beyondblue to develop valuable resources like this free DVD to maximise the opportunity to reach all people affected by diabetes and those at risk, and to support health professionals, with this important information about the strong link between diabetes and depression and anxiety."

What treatments are there for people with depression and diabetes?

Depression is not just a low mood, but a serious illness. People with depression find it hard to carry out normal activities and function from day to day. Depression is an illness which can be treated. With the right treatment, most people recover.

The treatment for diabetes and depression involves a coordinated approach that monitors both diabetes control and the symptoms of depression. It is about finding the treatment that works best for each person. For example, people with diabetes and mild depression may find that regular physical activity improves depressed moods and also helps with blood glucose control.

To order the DVD, click here.

For more information about diabetes: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au or call 1300 136 588.