Psychic Aspects Of Diabetes

Experts have largely ignored the psychological aspects of diabetes since the disease was first discovered. However, those who suffer from this disease often experience stress, anxiety and even depression. 

Fortunately, there is now a new approach that takes all of these factors into account. Physicians now place more emphasis on these basic aspects of the patient’s life.

The metabolic changes involved in diabetes mellitus completely change a person’s daily life. Due to this is the fact that there is a strong link between type 1 and 2 diabetes and mental health issues. 

Experts estimate that around 50% of diabetic patients will suffer from a mental illness at some point in life. Furthermore, diabetic patients have a twice as high chance of suffering from depression.

There is evidence that the risk of depression is higher in patients with diabetes. Thus, the psychological aspects are there; they are obvious and cannot be ignored. Ignoring the psychological aspects of people with diabetes will not guarantee the right treatment tailored to the needs of each individual diabetic and their families.

Professionals’ empathy and adequate training will help them provide the right psychological treatment that will improve these people’s quality of life.

Psychological aspects of diabetes

Living with a chronic illness is not easy for most people. It changes daily habits, and the way you deal with the people around you, and even changes the way you look at yourself. Diabetes mellitus is probably the chronic disease that changes the daily lives of those who suffer the most. 

While type 1 diabetes usually manifests itself in childhood, type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in the world and accounts for around 90-95% of all cases. It manifests itself in adulthood, and a large percentage of cases may be linked to an unhealthy lifestyle, including eating habits. In such cases, the body stops producing enough insulin to use glucose as a source of energy.

In addition to the causes that can lead to the manifestation of this common metabolic disorder, one must keep in mind several factors. A holistic approach to this disease is needed. Many doctors focus their attention on the physiological and organic changes that diabetes can cause. Although they should do this, there is something that medical professionals often neglect: mental health.

A disease that overwhelms many patients

Psychological aspects of diabetes often cause stress, fear and stress. This is an unusual disorder that patients have to deal with on a daily basis.

Patients need to monitor their blood sugar readings and make decisions about what to do. In addition to injections, there is a constant daily pressure involved in dealing with the disease itself.

The constant need to monitor the disease often affects the self-esteem of patients with diabetes in a very negative way. They often suffer from emotional stress and even eating disorders. In addition, they often feel helpless.

Psychological aspects of diabetes and mental health

People with type 1 diabetes are three times more likely to suffer from depression than people who do not suffer from this disease. Those who suffer from type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to get depression.

When it comes to anxiety disorders, the rate of cases is just as striking. Diabetic patients have a 40% higher chance of suffering from anxiety compared to those who do not suffer from the disease.

As research has revealed, this disorder also causes metabolic changes. Studies show that the inflammatory changes associated with diabetes in itself may be linked to the development of depression.

It was discovered that pro-inflammatory cytokines interact with different areas of the brain and with neurotransmitters that are responsible for this disorder.

The need for a holistic approach to diabetes

The psychological aspects of diabetes should not be taken lightly. A person who is not feeling well mentally will not be able to control their own condition adequately. 

We need a different approach, a holistic approach where doctors, psychologists, nutritionists and social workers all work together to meet the needs of each person.

Diabetes will not limit a person’s quality of life as long as there are adequate resources and support for every aspect of this disease.