Diabetes and Mental Health
Diabetes and Mental Health will explore the critical and often under-recognized connection between diabetes and psychological well-being. Living with diabetes whether Type 1 or Type 2—requires constant attention to blood glucose levels, diet, medications, exercise, and lifestyle, placing a substantial burden on individuals. This ongoing responsibility can contribute to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and a decreased quality of life. Research increasingly shows that mental health plays a crucial role in diabetes management, outcomes, and overall health, making it an essential aspect of holistic care. This session will provide a comprehensive look into how psychological conditions interact with diabetes and how integrated care models can better support individuals in managing both. Diabetes distress—a term used to describe the unique emotional burdens and worries related to living with diabetes is a common experience among patients. Unlike clinical depression, diabetes distress is specifically related to feelings of burnout, guilt, fear of complications, and frustration over disease management. Left unaddressed, it can lead to poor self-care, reduced medication adherence, and deteriorating glycemic control. This session will examine the prevalence of diabetes distress, its clinical implications, and how it can be effectively assessed using tools such as the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS).