A diagnosis like diabetes can bring with it some amount of distress because most of the time it comes as a shock to many people since the condition is asymptomatic. But a recent survey done on 250 people with diabetes by a team of psychologists at Fitterfly saw that 83% of people were willing to bring in desired behaviour changes to take charge of their health and bring down blood sugar levels. With proper counselling and education about the condition, about 70% of people felt motivated enough to stay on the prescribed course of treatment and attain healthy habits. This also shows that positively accepting the diagnosis through proper counselling can help overcome diabetes distress and lead to better outcomes. This is the first-ever diabetes distress survey done in India.
THE DANGERS OF TOILING WITH DIABETES DISTRESS
While most of us don’t speak much about the psychological impact of diabetes, this kind of distress is genuine and overwhelming. Diabetes distress can also manifest in different ways :
•Emotional distress: Making one angry, frustrated, guilty, or panicky
•Physician distress: Unhappy with a physician due to lack of time spent or inability to express one’s fears and concerns
•Regimen distress: The continuous monitoring of blood sugar levels, diet watch and exercise, taking timely medication and more
•Interpersonal distress: Problems between partners or limited involvement in family matters
Diabetes distress has been associated with poor self-management and increasing levels of HbA1c. Many people give up too soon and stop taking insulin or oral medications. Uncontrolled diabetes distress can lead to diabetes burnout, with high sugar levels turning it into a life-threatening incident. While it is natural to feel distressed after a diagnosis, it isn’t advisable to deal with it alone. Sometimes one needs considerable help to overcome this feeling.
It is critical to identify the signs of diabetes distress to reign control over the same. Here are a few signs that indicate diabetes distress:
• Feeling angry about the diagnosis and frustrated about managing the same
• Worrying about not being capable of managing diabetes well
• Being fearful about the complications or fearful of being dependent on medications
• Avoiding going to appointments or checking blood sugars and being in denial
• Making unhealthy food choices or indulging in emotional eating
• Feeling alone, dejected or isolated
GET HELP BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE
If you feel any of the above signs, get help immediately. Diabetes distress is not depression, but if ignored for long, it can lead to the same. In such a scenario, the consequences can be disastrous. Depression interferes with the ability to think clearly. It causes indecisiveness and the inability to perform tasks like taking the medications and meals on time, exercising, etc. Depression causes a rise in a stress hormone — cortisol, which interferes with glucose metabolism, increases insulin resistance, and causes accumulation of belly fat. It is ideal to get help before one reaches this stage.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Pay attention to your feelings and act promptly: Rather than feeling frustrated, try to concentrate on the positives that can be controlled. Plan for a reversal if possible, or take control of your lifestyle choices to lessen the risks of complications.
Talk to other people who have diabetes: Alternatively, you can also check for support groups and share your struggles and coping strategies. Reaching out to people always has a positive impact on one’s mental well-being.
Indulge in therapies that give you solace: Whether journaling your feelings or art therapy, or other hobbies that help you stay motivated, indulge in them to keep your mind agile and upbeat.
Trust your near and dear ones: Most of the time, when you are in denial, you reject the support from your family and friends. But don’t, if you have trusted people around you, talk to them about your feelings (to relieve the stress) and don’t deny the help they extend to you, whether it is moral support or reminding you about your medications.
Look for expert help: Sometimes, it gets overwhelming to counter diabetes distress all alone; in such a case, reaching out to an expert is an ideal solution. With DTx programs that promise highly personalised care and a holistic approach to diabetes, mental well-being is taken into consideration along with nutrition therapy and exercise plans for better outcomes. Fitterfly’s DTx diabetes care program – Diabefly focuses on psychological well-being for people with diabetes along with a proper nutrition plan and exercise regime. A proper psychological intervention can help one:
• comply with the treatment plan
• adhere to diet and exercise routines
• be timely with medication
• practice proper sleep hygiene
• positively control emotions and reduce stress levels
• have a positive outlook
• focus on healing and reducing risks of diabetes complications
Studies have also shown that better control over diabetes distress leads to better glycemic control and blood sugar levels. A positive mind is imperative in proper diabetes control and management.
The writer is CEO & Co-founder, Fitterfly.
Diabetes distress has been associated with poor self-management and increasing levels of HbA1c. Many people give up too soon and stop taking insulin or oral medications. Uncontrolled diabetes distress can lead to diabetes burnout, with high sugar levels turning it into a life-threatening incident. While it is natural to feel distressed after a diagnosis, it isn’t advisable to deal with it alone. Sometimes one needs considerable help to overcome this feeling.
