World Diabetes Day is celebrated annually on Nov. 14. This year’s theme is “Diabetes and Wellbeing,” which aims to raise awareness about the physical and mental challenges of diabetes, prioritize wellbeing, and enhance the quality of life of patients.
“With appropriate access to diabetes care and support for their wellbeing, everyone with diabetes has the chance to live well,” the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) said. Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood sugar, which leads over time to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. While the physical impact of diabetes is well-known, it’s important to understand that the disease also takes a toll on mental wellbeing.
Over a third (36%) of people with diabetes experience diabetes distress, according to the IDF. More than six of 10 people with diabetes (63%) say that the fear of developing diabetes-related complications affects their wellbeing. Almost three of 10 people with diabetes (28%) find it hard to remain positive in relation to their condition.
Diabetes distress is sometimes mistaken for, and is more common than, depression. Diabetes distress is the emotional distress that results from living with diabetes and the burden of relentless daily self-management. It can also arise from the social impact of diabetes such as stigma, discrimination, or dealing with other people’s unhelpful reactions or their lack of understanding; and the.
