Psychological issues in diabetes care

Abstract

Diabetes is a chronic condition requiring prolonged medical supervision and informed self-care. Clinicians have traditionally focused on the medical aspects of diabetes care. A psychosocial approach is necessary to overcome potential barriers to self-care so that effective self-management is successful. In order to do so, clinicians must pay attention to the human aspect of their patients – their emotions, behaviour, and relationships. Dealing with the discovery of diabetes and its ongoing requirements imply being bombarded with many difficult feelings. The health consequences of these emotional problems coupled with stress and co-morbid psychiatric disorders are associated with poorer self-care behaviour, poorer metabolic outcomes, morbidity, mortality, functional limitations, and poorer quality of life. Psychosocial factors are therefore relevant to the management of diabetes. Clinicians should be able to identify patients who are suffering from diabetes-related distress and provide effective treatment for them. Patients who are suffering from psychiatric disorders should be identified and referred for specialized mental health care.