After years of research, the scientific community agrees that diabetes management must account for all aspects of a person's life and of the lives of their families and caregivers, with special attention being given to the psychological and social impact of management.

The psychological component is a fundamental aspect of diabetes acceptance and management: roughly 1/3 of the 537 million patients affected by diabetes experience stress related to the disease, 1/3 find it difficult to maintain a positive attitude concerning their condition and 63% state that the fear of developing complications from diabetes affects their well-being.

Let's explore tools and steps that lead to a fuller awareness of the importance of a 360° approach to diabetes management.

DIABETES AND PSYCHOLOGY: THE NEW APPROACH FOR WDD24.

World Diabetes Day 2024-2026 addresses a crucial topic: "Diabetes and Well-being". This approach to the disease acknowledges that living with diabetes is not just about monitoring blood sugar and receiving treatment, it also calls for a complex balance between physical, psychological and social well-being. The initiative highlights the importance of management that goes beyond monitoring blood sugar levels, focusing attention on three key areas:

• Physical well-being: Including the importance of a healthy lifestyle, with special emphasis on a balanced diet and regular exercise. These factors are crucial to preventing complications and managing diabetes effectively.
• Mental well-being: Recognising and managing the stress, anxiety and depression that can arise when managing a chronic condition such as diabetes is essential. This approach aims to integrate psychological support and standard treatment, acknowledging that mental well-being is strictly linked to effective diabetes management.
• Social well-being: Highlighting the barriers that people with diabetes face to living a full life. The objective is to create a social environment that provides support, rather than limits, offering access to resources, education and support groups.

This broader perspective reflects a necessary change to the diabetes treatment paradigm, acknowledging that treatment must focus on the person as a whole rather than being limited to clinical parameters: an approach in which the role of healthcare providers and caregivers is even more crucial as they offer the patient truly complete practical, emotional and psychological support..

DIABETES MANAGEMENT: A COMPLEX EMOTIONAL JOURNEY.

Being diagnosed with diabetes often has a strong emotional and psychological impact. Reactions can vary significantly. Some people experience moments of denial, refusing to accept their condition, while others may experience anger or frustration, as they feel trapped or see themselves as victims of unjust fate. These feelings can result in a refusal to acknowledge the disease with patients abandoning or failing to comply with treatment.

Depression and anxiety are common amongst the recently diagnosed. This can lead to a vicious cycle with emotional strain worsening diabetes management, thereby increasing the risk of complications and leading to further psychological distress.

Psychological support is therefore crucial in this phase. Targeted actions can help people process their diagnosis, accept the new reality, and develop effective coping strategies. The presence of a support network, be it family, friends or professionals, plays a crucial role in promoting positive adjustment. Furthermore, psychological well-being has a direct impact on compliance with diabetes treatment. Treatment compliance is a dominant factor in diabetes management, and lack of compliance can have severe consequences. Studies show that patients who receive adequate psychological support are more likely to comply with the prescribed treatment, thereby improving both their clinical results and their overall quality of life.

TWO KEY FACTORS: TRUST AND A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH.

An integrated approach to diabetes management requires close cooperation between physicians, caregivers, relatives and the patient: this forms a circle of trust, a safe environment that guarantees emotional support, promotes treatment compliance, and improves quality of life, providing support for individuals as they receive treatment and manage psychological challenges.

The other key concept in the new 360° diabetes management paradigm is therefore the multidisciplinary approach: diabetes treatment brings together a broad team of specialists (diabetologists, endocrinologists, eye doctors, nutritionists...) who cooperate to offer increasingly complete support, doing all they can to improve the quality of life of people with diabetes and their families.

Find out more advice and articles for managing diabetes here.