The international diabetes community is paying increasing attention to the psychosocial impacts of chronic diseases.
These impacts are partly related to physical manifestations and fluctuations in glycemic control, but also to individual factors, including the person’s ability to manage both technically and emotionally the mental load associated with diabetes.
This article explores the notion of “diabetes-related distress”, ways to recognize it, its prevalence in people with type 1 diabetes, as well as approaches to its management.
What is diabetes distress?
Diabetes-related distress refers to all the negative emotions and psychological burden felt by people living with diabetes. It is not a psychiatric disorder in itself, but reflects a normal reaction to the daily demands of managing the illness.
How to recognize it?
- Feeling of exhaustion facing the daily management of diabetes
- Frustration linked to glycemic fluctuations despite efforts
- Persistent worry regarding long-term complications
- Feeling of isolation or incomprehension of those around you
- Demotivation for treatment monitoring
What support?
Treatment is based on a multidisciplinary approach combining:
- Therapeutic education adapted to the emotional needs of the patient
- Psychological support by professionals trained in diabetes
- Discussion groups and exchanges between peers
- Technological optimization to reduce daily mental load
It is essential that health professionals systematically screen for this distress during consultations, because it directly impacts glycemic control and quality of life.
Dr Mehdi Batras — Ophthalmologist in Casablanca specializing in retinal surgery. For any questions about diabetes and its effects on eyesight, contact our office.