Mental health and diabetes
Diabetes UK
Diabetes doesn’t just cause physical effects to a person living with the condition; it also affects their mental health due to factors such as varying blood glucose levels and the continuous need to manage their condition. In order to make it easier for people living with diabetes, more support for emotional and psychological health is required.
Psychological conditions
The prevalence of psychological conditions is significantly higher among people living with diabetes
(Diabetes UK, 2010. Diabetes UK, 2019)
Mental health conditions are also risk factors for the development of diabetes
(Balhara, 2011)
People living with diabetes and mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders are associated with poor self-care which may lead to poor glycaemic control, increasing the risk of diabetes-related complications.
These can cause:
reduced quality of life
increased mortality
increased healthcare costs
(Balhara, 2011. Diabetes UK, 2010)
The more severe a psychological problem is, the increased risk that an individual’s diabetes management will be impaired
(DUK, 2019)
Recognition and maintenance of emotional and psychological needs are essential for the well-being of people with diabetes.
(Diabetes UK, 2010, 2017)
This has led to the launch of the Diabetes UK campaign called It’s missing, which aims to make emotional well-being an integral part of diabetes care.
Please visit Diabetes UK for more information and support.
Written by:
James Ridgeway
Eden education and research associate/facilitator
reviewed 24/07/2020
Reference list and links
Balhara, Y, (2011). ‘Diabetes and psychiatric disorders’. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. 15(4)
Diabetes UK (2010). Emotional and Psychological Support and Care in Diabetes: Report from the emotional and psychological support working group of NHS Diabetes and Diabetes UK
Diabetes UK (2017). Three in five people with diabetes experience emotional or mental health problems
Diabetes UK (2019). Diabetes and emotional health: A practical guide for healthcare professionals supporting adults with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
