Researchers looked at 30 studies to see if changing what people with diabetes eat could help improve their mood and reduce feelings of worry and sadness. They found that taking certain food supplements and changing the balance of proteins, carbs, and fats in meals did help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. However, most studies focused on Type 2 diabetes, so we need more research on Type 1 diabetes. The good news is that what you eat might be an important tool to help manage both your blood sugar and your mental health.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether eating differently or taking food supplements could help reduce depression, anxiety, stress, and worry in people living with diabetes
  • Who participated: Adults 18 and older with Type 2 diabetes (and one study included Type 1 diabetes). The analysis combined results from 30 different research studies
  • Key finding: Taking nutritional supplements improved depression scores by about 3 points and anxiety scores by about 1 point on standard measurement scales. Changing the mix of proteins, carbs, and fats in meals also reduced diabetes-related worry by about 4 points
  • What it means for you: If you have diabetes and struggle with depression or anxiety, improving your nutrition through supplements or adjusting your meal composition may help. However, talk to your doctor before starting any supplements, and remember that these changes work best alongside other treatments like therapy or medication

The Research Details

Scientists searched through six major medical databases for studies published between 2000 and February 2024. They only included studies where some people with diabetes received nutrition help (like supplements or diet changes) while others received standard care or a placebo. This type of study design is considered very reliable because it reduces bias.

The researchers then combined the results from all these studies using a statistical method called meta-analysis. This allows them to see patterns across many studies rather than relying on just one. They looked at how nutrition changes affected four different mental health areas: depression, anxiety, stress, and diabetes-related distress (the specific worry people feel about managing their diabetes).

Most studies tested either supplements (like vitamins or minerals) or changing the amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and fat people ate. The researchers measured mental health using standard questionnaires that doctors use to track mood changes.

This research approach is important because it combines evidence from many studies, which gives us a clearer picture than any single study could provide. By looking at randomized controlled trials (where people are randomly assigned to different groups), the researchers could be more confident that nutrition changes actually caused the mental health improvements, rather than other factors being responsible

This is a high-quality analysis because it looked at 30 different studies and used strict rules for which studies to include. However, most studies focused on Type 2 diabetes, so the findings may not apply as well to Type 1 diabetes. Also, many studies tested supplements rather than whole foods, which may not reflect how eating real food affects mood. The researchers noted that future studies should look at complete eating patterns rather than individual supplements

What the Results Show

Nutrition supplements showed clear benefits for depression. When people took supplements compared to a control group, their depression scores improved by an average of 3 points on the Beck Depression Inventory (a 25-point scale where lower is better). This improvement was statistically significant, meaning it’s unlikely to have happened by chance.

Anxiety also improved with supplements, though the improvement was smaller—about 1 point on the Beck Anxiety Inventory (a 63-point scale). While this sounds small, it represents a meaningful reduction in worry for many people.

When researchers looked at studies that changed the mix of nutrients people ate (adjusting proteins, carbs, and fats), they found this approach reduced diabetes-related distress by about 4 points on the Problem Areas in Diabetes scale. This is important because diabetes-related distress is the specific stress people feel about managing their condition.

Interestingly, neither supplements nor diet changes showed clear benefits for general stress levels. This suggests that nutrition may help with mood and diabetes-specific worry, but may not address all types of stress

The analysis found that 57% of the studies tested nutritional supplements (like omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, or B vitamins), while 17% tested changing the balance of macronutrients. Most studies measured depression (26 studies) and anxiety (14 studies), but fewer looked at stress (7 studies) or diabetes-specific distress (8 studies). This means we have stronger evidence for depression and anxiety benefits than for the other outcomes

This research builds on earlier findings suggesting that nutrition affects mental health. However, this is one of the first comprehensive reviews specifically looking at people with diabetes. The findings support the idea that what we eat matters for our mood, and suggests this connection may be especially important for people managing a chronic condition like diabetes

The biggest limitation is that almost all studies involved people with Type 2 diabetes, so we can’t be as confident about benefits for Type 1 diabetes. Many studies tested individual supplements rather than looking at overall eating patterns, which may not reflect real-world eating. Some studies were small, and not all studies measured the same mental health outcomes, making comparisons harder. Additionally, we don’t know how long the benefits last or whether they continue if people stop the intervention

The Bottom Line

If you have Type 2 diabetes and experience depression or anxiety, working with your doctor or dietitian to improve your nutrition may help. This could include taking certain supplements (like omega-3s or magnesium) or adjusting your meal composition. However, nutrition should complement, not replace, other treatments like therapy or medication. Start with one change at a time and track how you feel. For Type 1 diabetes, the evidence is weaker, so discuss options with your healthcare team

This research is most relevant for adults with Type 2 diabetes who experience depression, anxiety, or worry about managing their diabetes. It may also apply to people with Type 1 diabetes, though more research is needed. If you’re already taking medication for mental health, don’t stop it without talking to your doctor. People without diabetes may see some benefits, but this research specifically studied people with diabetes

Most studies lasted between 8 weeks and several months. You might notice mood improvements within 4-8 weeks of starting a nutrition intervention, but give it at least 8-12 weeks to see full benefits. Some people may notice changes sooner, while others take longer. Consistency matters—sticking with the changes is important for seeing results

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your mood daily using a simple 1-10 scale and note what you ate that day. Also track specific symptoms like sleep quality, energy level, and worry about diabetes management. After 4 weeks, look for patterns between nutrition changes and mood improvements
  • Start by adding one nutrition change: either begin taking a specific supplement (after consulting your doctor) or adjust one meal’s macronutrient balance (for example, add more protein and healthy fats to breakfast). Use the app to set reminders for taking supplements or meal prep, and log how you feel each day
  • Create a weekly mood check-in where you rate your depression and anxiety levels. Compare these scores to your nutrition logs to see if certain foods or supplements correlate with better moods. After 8-12 weeks, review your progress and decide whether to continue, adjust, or try a different approach

This research suggests that nutrition changes may help improve depression and anxiety in people with diabetes, but it is not a substitute for professional medical treatment. Always consult with your doctor or mental health professional before starting supplements or making significant dietary changes, especially if you’re taking medications for depression, anxiety, or diabetes management. If you’re experiencing severe depression or anxiety, seek immediate professional help. This summary is for educational purposes and should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition.