Being diagnosed with diabetes is a life-changing event. Regardless of whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it forces you to make changes to your daily routine and take on a lot of new responsibilities.

Did I check my glucose levels? Have I calculated my carbohydrates correctly? Do I have my pen/pump, needles, fully-charged reader and glucose with me? Where and when will I get my diabetes supplies? Will I be able to pay for my insulin next month? When was the last time I saw my endocrinologist? Have I dealt with the insurance letter?

Am I doing this right?

Diabetes is a 24/7 job, and it never takes a day off. This takes a toll on the mental health of children and young people in particular. While their peers may seem to be moving through life with a carefree attitude, diabetes requires them to grow up at an early age and perhaps take on more responsibility than they are ready for. The statistics show the heavy psychological burden of diabetes:

• People with diabetes are at increased risk of depression, anxiety and eating disorders.[1]
• Depression rates across the lifespan are twice as high as in the general population.
• Eating disorders are twice as common in people with type 1 diabetes, with women most affected and bulimia nervosa the most common form.[2]

How can we promote mental health while living with diabetes?

Taking care of our mental wellbeing enables us to take better care of our physical needs, just as taking care of our physical body enables a healthy mind to flourish.

When it comes to wellbeing, we should first address our basic human needs: sleep and rest, hydration and nutrition, time spent outdoors and physical activity, as well as a sense of security, strong social ties and a sense of purpose.

A consistent daily routine can restore a sense of control and self-reliance. Psychotherapy, stress management skills and opening up to a friend or someone you trust can help ease the burden when diabetes becomes too stressful.

A diabetes team should always aim for holistic care, treating the person as a whole, and mental health screening should be part of regular check-ups. If needed, your doctor can refer you to a mental health care provider and find a support plan that meets your needs.

We are more than the sum of our parts. And as people with diabetes, we are more than our blood glucose levels. And whilst living with diabetes may feel overwhelming at times, remember that diabetes is part of your life, but there is more to your life than diabetes.

Thanks so much for reading and we’ll provide you with the next episode of this series soon! 

[1] Fisher, L., Polonsky, W. H., Hessler, D. M., Masharani, U., Blumer, I., Peters, A. L.,. Bowyer, V. (2015). Understanding the sources of diabetes distress in adults with type 1 diabetes. Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications,29(4), 572-577.doi:10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2015.01.012

[2] Hanlan ME, Griffith J, Patel N, Jaser SS. Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating in Type 1 Diabetes: Prevalence, Screening, and Treatment Options. Curr Diab Rep. 2013 Sep 12:10.1007/s11892-013-0418-4. doi: 10.1007/s11892-013-0418-4. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 24022608; PMCID: PMC4002640.