New research has revealed that a surprising favorite has emerged as the most common complication for people living with diabetes.
Mental health challenges have emerged as the most common and least recognized complication of diabetes, according to recent data from Diabetes Australia.
Research reveals that almost half of the 1.5 million Australians living with diabetes experience mental health challenges each year.
Of the nearly 700,000 diabetics struggling with their mental well-being, more than 400,000 reported having difficulty accessing mental health services.
Diabetes Australia executive director Justine Cain said the startling figures showed there was an urgent need to address the mental health epidemic of diabetes.
“That’s a lot of people who don’t get the help and support they need,” he said.
“The mental health challenges of diabetes are widespread, but they are rarely discussed as part of the routine care of diabetes. They really are a silent complication of diabetes.”
The latest data from Diabetes Australia show that more than 73% of people living with diabetes have been criticized for having this disease.
“More than 1.1 million Australians report being blamed or embarrassed for living with diabetes and more than 360,000 say this affects their ability to live well with the disease,” Ms Cain said.
“No one chooses diabetes and no one should be blamed or ashamed of living with it.”
Ms Cain urged Australians to denounce the stigma of diabetes, which had helped an increasing number of diabetics suffer from mental health problems.
Diabetic Sebastian Harris said there was enough to worry about without the added stress of people’s prejudices.
The 19-year-old and her younger brother were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and said the condition had had a physical and mental effect.
“Sometimes I feel like no matter what I do, my diabetes can be extremely difficult to control,” he said.
“It makes me wonder if I’m managing it well. I know it will be good in the long run, but right now it’s hard not to feel defeated. “
Harris said the constant management of his condition could be overwhelming, causing anxiety and exhaustion from diabetes.
“You want to shut down and forget about it, but you can’t do it with diabetes. There’s no vacation,” he said.
“The consequences if you try to ignore it can be life-threatening.”
The teenager stressed the importance of raising awareness about the huge impact diabetes can have on a person’s mental and physical well-being.
From a medical standpoint, Dr. Gary Deed said doctors should take steps to be more aware of the holistic impact of diabetes.
As a diabetic who focused on providing health care to other people suffering from this disease, he suggested that health professionals conduct specialized training to better understand the reality of diabetes.
“Living with diabetes can be complex and relentless,” he said.
“That daily management, in addition to the concern for long-term complications related to diabetes, can become a real burden.”
While there was no quick fix for the worrying number of diabetics suffering from mental health issues, Ms Cain said incorporating mental health support into diabetes treatment plans would significantly improve outcomes.
“We want people to know that the mental health challenges of diabetes are real and encourage people with diabetes and their health professionals to explore options for mental health care,” Ms. Cain said.
To address the issue, Diabetes Australia is launching a new Let’s Rethink Diabetes campaign as part of National Diabetes Week, which runs from 10 to 16 July.
The campaign aims to challenge both the attitudes of the community and the way the Australian health system provides mental health support to people living with diabetes.
The Australian healthcare system currently spends close to $ 2.5 billion on the treatment of all types of diabetes.
The overwhelming figure does not take into account the money invested in related health conditions or mental health problems.
Ms. Cain opined that the money would be better spent by allocating funds to the early prevention of type 2 diabetes and reducing the risk of diabetes complications.
Research shows that the number of diabetics in Australia has increased dramatically, with 120,000 people diagnosed during the year as of November 2021.
“Diabetes is one of the most important challenges currently facing Australia’s healthcare system,” said former Diabetes Australia CEO Greg Johnson.
He stated that the country was facing a “growing diabetes epidemic” that required a strong and comprehensive response.