The psychological aspects of diabetes have long been ignored, stress, anxiety and even depression are disorders that have a higher incidence in the part of the population with this disease, however, for many years and through a multidisciplinary approach, more emphasis has been placed on intervention on these factors so relevant to the patient’s life.
This set of metabolic changes that occur in diabetes mellitus completely changes a person’s daily life, so one fact that is sometimes overlooked is the close relationship between type 1 and type 2 diabetes with mental health problems, it is estimated that almost 50% of people with this disease will at some point suffer from some psychological disorder. In addition, the chances of developing depression, according to several studies, are doubled in these patients.
There is evidence that the risk of depression increases directly in diabetic patients.
The psychological aspects are there, they are obvious and cannot be overlooked, the disrecognisment of the psychosocial context of people with diabetes does not guarantee adequate attention to the needs of each diabetic and his family. The empathy and proper training of professionals working with diabetes requires daily this psychological intervention, which aims to improve the quality of life of patients.
Living with a chronic illness is not easy for anyone. There are changes in habits, in the way we relate to our environment, and even in the way we see ourselves. Diabetes mellitus is probably the most common disease, but at the same time, one of the ones that changes people’s daily reality the most. who live with her.
Although type 1 diabetes usually occurs in childhood, type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in the world and accounts for 90% to 95% of cases, begins in adulthood and, in most cases, is associated with poor eating and living habits. As a result, the body stops producing enough insulin for the body to use glucose as an energy source.
In addition to the causes that led to the onset of this common metabolic disorder, there are other realities that need to be taken into account. A holistic approach to this disease is needed. Most doctors focus their attention on the physical-organic (probably essential) changes diabetes can cause: visual, kidney, cardiovascular problems?This is all important. But a bezel is left unattended, such an essential aspect for the patient diagnosed with diabetes. We’re talking, of course, about mental health.
The psychological aspects of diabetes show, above all, high blood pressure, fear and stress, we are faced with a situation in which it is the person, not the doctor, who is in charge of taking care of himself on a day-to-day basis. It is the patient who must exercise glycemic control and interpretation to make a decision. In addition to the injection, there is constant pressure to manage the disease itself, something that is not easy. It is not easy for a child or an adult.
Thus, this constant self-control of diabetes leads many people to experience negative feelings of personal effectiveness, emotional distress often occurs and other factors are added, such as food problems and even a certain sense of helplessness at school or work.
The psychological aspects of diabetes are obvious and very important. They appear mainly in the form of high blood pressure, fear and stress.
Incidence rates of depression, as several clinical studies have shown, are up to three times higher in patients with type 1 diabetes and twice as high in people with type 2 diabetes, compared to the general population. disorders, the incidence is also striking. Diabetic patients have up to 40% chance of finding this problem compared to other people.
According to these studies, in addition to the pressure of the disease itself, there are metabolic changes, studies suggest that the inflammatory responses associated with diabetes itself are linked to the development of depression, it has been found that for example, pro-inflammatory cytokines interact with many of these regions of the brain and with the neurotransmitters involved in this disorder.
As we see, the psychological aspects of diabetes are obvious and very important, a person who is not well psychologically will not be able to properly manage his own disease, so we have to apply the word that is so fashionable, but that, in fact, is of great use in the treatment of diseases.
Of course, we are talking about a “holistic” approach, in which doctors, psychologists, nutritionists and social workers accompany the patient. Diabetes doesn’t have to limit a person’s quality of life. Not if we have the right resources, support and training in all areas involved in the disease itself.
Day after day, we will win, because the first steps are already obvious.