World Diabetes Day – Why keeping on top of your wellbeing is key

Diabetes affects around 6% of the UK population, which equates to around 4,300 people living with the condition in Guernsey.

This year’s World Diabetes Day is focused on wellbeing support and giving everyone with diabetes the chance to live well.

Our consultant physician, Kate Allen, has been practicing in the field of diabetes for more than 20 years, particularly focusing on the effects of low glucose on the brain.

Dr Allen explains here why people with the condition are more likely to have mental health difficulties and why this makes it so important to practice positive wellbeing.

“It is a well-known that people living with diabetes experience more mental health difficulties than others. In fact, people with diabetes are 20% more likely to experience anxiety than those without.

“This may relate to the daily impact of the condition on people’s physical health, or the time people need to devote every day to managing their condition in order to live healthy lives. There can also be stigma attached to a diagnosis of diabetes, due to connections that are often drawn between weight and diet, and a belief that people with the condition brought it on by unhealthy lifestyle choices.

“These factors can prevent people from taking positive steps to improve their health and wellbeing, seeking professional support, or support from friends and family.

“While the usual positive wellbeing practices, such as eating well and exercising, are key to living well with diabetes, there are several things to be mindful of when and if what is known as ‘diabetes distress’ should strike. This affects many, if not most people with diabetes, and it is worth knowing what signs to look out for.

Signs of Diabetes Distress:

1. Losing motivation to continue managing the disease
2. Avoiding medical appointments and checking your blood sugar
3. Making unhealthy food choices regularly

How to manage Diabetes Distress:

• Take a break: It is not always doable, but sometimes spending less time and energy on checking your glucose levels or relaxing your targets can help you feel less overwhelmed and feel reset.
• Talk to like-minded people: Online forums and support groups will allow you to share your feelings and help you feel understood.
• Focus on language: Using terms like ‘bad’ or ‘good’ are not helpful when talking about your blood sugar. Refer to these as ‘high’ and ‘low’ as there is no use casting blame on yourself or using negative self-talk.
• Talk to professionals: Your doctor will be more than familiar with patients experiencing the negative mental effects of diabetes. Share your concerns and worries, and they will be able to help.

Did you know about the resources available in the Bailiwick that can offer support for wellbeing?

• Every week a list of clubs, groups and activities are advertised in the Guernsey Press.
• Local charity ‘Diabetes Guernsey’ helps people live well while managing diabetes
• Bailiwick Social Prescribing Services offers non-medicinal support that encourages positive wellbeing