People with diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, have a 20% higher risk of developing anxiety and a two to three times higher risk of developing depression, according to a Lancet study. The report also emphasises that individuals with type 1 diabetes are twice as likely to have disordered eating or irregular eating practices.
Insulin omission to reduce weight or diabulimia, is the most prevalent eating disorder among women with type 1 diabetes, whereas binge eating is more prevalent among women with type 2 diabetes.
36 per cent of individuals with diabetes report having diabetes distress, which includes negative emotional responses such as anger, denial, guilt, shame, fear, worry, sadness, and stress, according to the report.
According to the survey, 28% of individuals with diabetes find it difficult to have a positive outlook on their disease, and 63% of those with diabetes say that their concern of developing problems related to their diabetes affects their well-being, the New Indian Express reported.
Furthermore, compared to persons without diabetes, those with diabetes (type 1 and type 2) are more prone to have emotional and mental health problems.
“These issues can range from diabetes distress to anxiety, depression, and disordered eating, all of which can be associated with suboptimal diabetes management, increased risk of diabetes-related complications, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare costs,” the report said.
Diabetes distress affects around 36% of people with negative emotional reactions that can arise from living with diabetes— such as anger, denial, guilt, shame, fear, worry, sadness, and stress—and can manifest at any time throughout the condition and even before a formal diagnosis,” it added.
Treatment regimens, food and eating, diabetes-related complications, fear of hypoglycemia, relationships and interactions with medical professionals, and diabetes distress can be set off by instances, such as treatment targets not being met, serious episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis or severe hypoglycemia, the onset of complications, life transitions, experiencing stigma, and many more.