Diabetes & Mental Health

Back To May You Be Well

According to the CDC, many people with diabetes can experience diabetes distress. This is caused by overwhelming feelings that are linked to managing diabetes. Diabetes distress can include feeling:

  • Discouraged, worried, frustrated
  • Tired of dealing with daily diabetes care
  • Like diabetes is controlling you instead of the other way around

Factors of stress can include:

  • Accessing the right care
  • Accessing support
  • Feeling as though you are a burden
  • Self-criticism and self-judgement 

Diabetes distress can often look like depression or anxiety. However, it cannot be treated with medication. 

Be Well – Beat Diabetes Distress with Kindness

Managing diabetes can feel overwhelming. Being kind to yourself when you can’t change the situation, can change how you manage it. 

A recent study by Gunn and colleagues (2022) has shown that being conscious of negative talk, then sharing the moment with someone, allowed for feelings of validation, compassion, and feeling understood. This releases oxytocin (the ‘love’ hormone) into the bloodstream. The oxytocin as as a basic form of empathy toward yourself. The results were:

  • Better self-management of diabetes 
  • A decrease in HbA1C numbers

Love! Don’t judge! Ask yourself, “If my best friend were to give me advice, what would they say?” Most likely, they would make you feel as though you are not alone. This can calm those feelings of self-criticism and self-judgement. It can turn feelings into a more positive and powerful way to move through the distress. Now is the time to take back control of managing your diabetes distress with kindness.

Other Ways to Help Reduce Diabetes Distress

According to the CDC (2022) there are many things you can do to help with diabetes distress.

  • See an endocrinologist for your diabetes care. They will have a better understanding of diabetes challenges.
  • Ask your doctor to refer you to a mental health counselor.
  • Spend one-on-one time with a diabetes educator. They can work with you to problem-solve.
  • Focus on one or two small diabetes management goals rather than tackling them all at once.
  • Join a diabetes support group. Share your thoughts and feelings and learn from people who have a similar experience.

Sources:

Additional Resources