A new survey shows that people with diabetes see their mental health significantly affected by their chronic illness.
- 94% of diabetics report experiencing at least one well-being problem.
- Women are more affected than men.
- 42% of people with type 1 diabetes feel anxious often or very often.
Cardiovascular disease, difficulty healing, nerve damage, eye problems… Diabetes can cause many complications. But this chronic disease not only has consequences on the body, it also impacts mental health.
A study by Roche Diabetes Care France conducted by OpinionWay on a sample of 500 type 1 and 2 diabetics (DT1 and DT2), reveals that this pathology greatly affects their well-being and mental health.
Mental health and diabetes: women are more affected
More than 9 out of 10 respondents with diabetes admitted to having encountered at least one well-being problem: eating disorders, depression, stress, etc. For example, more than a third of them admitted to having difficulty sleeping and feeling stress or anxiety several times a month. Diabetic women see their mental health more affected than men. Indeed, the survey showed that 30% of them feel (often or very often) depressed compared to only 14% of men. 40% of female patients feel anxious and 54% suffer from sleep disorders. The rates are 25% and 34% respectively among the male population surveyed.
However, despite these difficulties, only 19% (22% of T1D and 18% of T2D) call on a professional specialized in mental health (psychiatrist or psychologist).
“These figures illustrate that the impact of diabetes on mental health is still underestimated, despite the many studies on the subject. It is all the more important to be vigilant as depression risks worsening the prognosis of the disease. Warning signs such as sleep disorders, eating disorders, loss of desire, stress, panic attacks or difficulty following treatment may indicate a need for help on the part of the patient. Local health professionals, particularly pharmacists and general practitioners, must be attentive to these signals, and offer patients appropriate support when they are detected.”explains Marie de Bonnières, clinical psychologist and author of the book Living Better with a Chronic Illness, in the press release detailing the results of the survey.
Type 1 diabetes: the burden of the disease seems heavier
Patients with type 1 diabetes appear to be more exposed to mental health problems than others. Indeed, 42% of T1D patients feel anxious often or very often. This represents 11 points more than T2D patients.
“Type 1 diabetes seems to have a particularly significant psychological impact, especially because these patients are subject to injectable treatment. The constraints linked to the disease and the treatment affect the quality of life and daily life in all its aspects, from social to emotional to professional. Accepting a chronic disease and living with its daily constraints is a long and sometimes difficult process. The support of relatives, caregivers, peers or associations as well as appropriate psychological monitoring are essential to help patients in the long term.”concludes the expert.
