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Written by Kamren Kahn
During National Diabetes Awareness Month, we are reminded of the many daily challenges that are part of living with diabetes, especially during COVID-19 and the holidays. If you feel overwhelmed, it could be diabetes. Learn how to identify the signs of diabetes distress and what you can do to find support and manage negative emotions.
Have you ever felt frustrated, angry, or stressed while managing your diabetes? You're not alone. Many people struggle to cope with the emotional demands that come with managing diabetes. In fact, the term “”diabetes pain” is used to describe the experience of negative emotions resulting from the challenges of living with diabetes.
If this resonates with you, please know that diabetes-related suffering is extremely common.In fact, diabetes in the UK report We found that 1 in 4 people with type 1 diabetes and 1 in 5 people with type 2 diabetes experience high levels of diabetes distress. Data from the CDC indicates that diabetes distress rates may be even higher, reporting: 1 in 3 people People with type 2 diabetes can experience it. Additionally, researchers predict that the effects of COVID-19, such as social isolation, increases in general anxiety and depression, and disruptions to normal daily life, may further increase infection rates. ing. Click here for a list of diaTribe's mental health resources during COVID-19.
Dr. Cory Hood said,The pain of diabetes and how to deal with it during the new coronavirus infection outbreakAs part of Stanford University Project ECHO Diabetes series. He explained that many people worry a lot about future diabetes complications, which can increase their level of distress. Other common stressors for people with diabetes include blood sugar levels, insulin doses, device functionality, how diabetes affects daily life, social embarrassment and feelings of dependence, and fear of needles.
Symptoms of diabetes are wide-ranging. Many people feel overwhelmed and frustrated by the daily demands of managing diabetes. Additionally, diabetes distress may be expressed by feelings of loneliness, fatigue, or lack of motivation to continue with a diabetes management routine.
of diabetic stress scale (DDS) is a 17-question survey used to screen for diabetes distress. It takes just a few minutes and gives you instant results. Some diabetes clinicians suggest using the DDS regularly to measure a person's emotional and mental health. If you think you may be experiencing the pain of diabetes, or if you have never been given DDS, ask your health care professional if you can take DDS.
Depression is also prevalent in diabetes.Diabetic patients 2-3 times They are more likely to develop depression than people without diabetes. However, there are important differences between depression and diabetes distress. Depression is considered a mental health disorder, whereas diabetes distress is considered an emotional response to coping with diabetes stressors. Diabetic distress and depression share some common symptoms, but have clear diagnostic criteria and require different treatment approaches.
According to the DSM-5, a person has at least five of the following symptoms for at least two weeks: diagnosis of depression:
- Diminished interest or pleasure in daily activities
- Significant weight loss or very erratic appetite
- feeling depressed for most of the day
- Low self-esteem or inappropriate guilt
- Decreased concentration or concentration
- recurring suicidal thoughts
- fatigue or lack of energy
- Visible reduction in physical exertion
Although diabetic distress is more common than clinically diagnosed depression in people with diabetes, many people with depression may be undiagnosed.
The relationship between depression or diabetes distress and diabetes is a vicious cycle. Depression and diabetes distress can make diabetes management difficult, and diabetes management can increase feelings of depression and diabetes distress. Additionally, diabetes distress and A1C levels are related; people who experience high levels of diabetes distress are more likely to have a high A1C.
If you feel like you are experiencing any form of diabetes distress, it is important to contact a diabetes educator or health care professional to evaluate your symptoms and develop a care plan. Here are some coping strategies you can try.
- Seek support from friends and family and tell them how you're feeling
- Consider consulting a mental health professional
- Join a diabetes support group
- change your routine
- Try using new diabetes technology, such as continuous blood glucose monitors or automated insulin dosing systems, that can reduce or simplify some of your daily diabetes tasks. Check your health insurance to see if your new diabetes device will be covered.
- Set realistic goals and don't expect perfection
- Get involved in advocacy or service projects – this may be more difficult during the current COVID-19 pandemic.Find out how to stay safe and volunteer virtually
Below are some resources that may be helpful for those who think they may be experiencing the pain of diabetes.