By Beth Lacey, Credentialled Diabetes Educator/Registered Nurse
Each year an average of 60,000 Australians are diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. In 2023 113,907 people were newly registered with NDSS including Type 1 and Gestational Diabetes.
What comes to mind, when you think of Diabetes? Most commonly people will respond with a discussion about the physical challenges; managing diet, exercise, concerns around foot disease, and eye disease. Frequently people will be preoccupied with “good food” and “bad food”, some people will talk about the guilt they feel, “it’s my fault”.
"The emotional challenges of managing a complex disease like diabetes are frequently overlooked."
Guilt, shame and stigma are frequently unearthed and impact daily living and quality of life. Studies indicate that people with diabetes face a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues including depression, anxiety and diabetes distress, a term used to describe the emotional strain caused by the burden of living with and managing diabetes.
People experiencing diabetes distress may describe feeling overwhelmed, voice concerns they are “failing” with diabetes management, may be worried about complications and describe feeling guilty if they see themselves being “off track”.
Diabetes-related stigma and negative social judgement based on an aspect of diabetes care may lead to a sense of exclusion, rejection, blame and stereotyping.
Common examples include fear about injecting insulin in public places or fear regarding food choices. “Should you be eating that” is something a person living with Diabetes will hear all too often. This is not right, food recommendations for a person living with Diabetes are the same as for the general public. Injections of insulin are a lifeline, let’s normalise insulin delivery in public settings.
Healthcare providers which may include a GP, Diabetes Educator, Dietician and Podiatrist, amongst other providers, are increasingly calling for an approach to health care that takes into account the emotional burden of caring for Diabetes. A person with diabetes, lives with the burden 24 hours, 7 days a week with no holiday. Negative commentary does not make it easier for that person, it only adds to the emotional burden.
When I spoke with Rhi Pitts, Diabetes Educator at CHRH she emphasised the importance of addressing both physical and mental health when working with her clients on their health goals.
“We can refer to mental health professionals and that can be enormously helpful in learning how to mitigate stress related to this complex condition."
If you are experiencing any of these feelings and you have diabetes, please discuss them with your health provider. If you would like to discuss your condition with a Diabetes Educator you can contact us on 5321 6596 and we will book an appointment for you or speak with your GP to arrange a referral.
More information: Diabetes Education
