New study highlights toll diabetes takes on patients’ mental health in Pakistan

78pc of the respondents said they experienced anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions as a result of their medical condition.

Images Staff

14 Nov, 2024

A new survey released by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) ahead of World Diabetes Day revealed that 78 per cent of Pakistanis with diabetes have experienced anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions as a result of their medical condition.

The survey was conducted online between September 9 to October 9 and surveyed a total of 1,880 respondents, including 200 Pakistanis.

It found that at 72pc, the fear of developing complications was the most common factor leading to the development of mental health conditions with other factors including accessing medicines and supplies (69pc), accessing support from a healthcare professional (65pc) and daily diabetes management (62pc).

The survey also highlighted that people with diabetes want better support, with 78pc of Pakistanis living with diabetes seeking increased support for their emotional and mental well-being from their healthcare providers.

Although diabetes doesn’t always lead to mental health challenges, 88pc of the Pakistanis surveyed reported experiencing diabetes burnout, primarily due to feeling frustrated or overwhelmed by daily management of their condition. Alarmingly, over three quarters (79pc) of those affected by burnout admitted to stopping or interrupting their diabetes treatment due to stress or feeling overwhelmed.

“According to the latest IDF estimates, over 32 million people are currently living with diabetes in Pakistan, with the prevalence rate expected to reach 33pc of the adult population by 2045,” said Prof Abdul Basit, vice chairman of the Health Promotion Foundation. “Bearing those figures in mind, the IDF survey suggests that the mental well-being of over 25 million people could be impacted due to the daily burden of managing their condition.”

Prof Basit added that while diabetes affects both physical and mental well-being, care often focuses only on blood sugar management, leaving many overwhelmed. “We need to look beyond blood sugar for a better diabetes life.”

This World Diabetes Day, the International Diabetes Federation is calling on healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities to recognise the profound impact of diabetes on well-being. Putting well-being at the heart of diabetes care can improve health outcomes and the overall quality of life for the millions of people living with diabetes worldwide.

Comments

Laila Nov 14, 2024 01:33pm

Public health awareness or even basic awareness of general topics is absent in Pakistan. Otherwise we could easily curb and decrease diabetes cases which is essentially down to our dietary habits and lack of exercise. Diabetes has been accepted as a natural occurrence. There is a reason it is not so common in other countries or to the same extent. Further depression or mental health issues also lacks awareness and sufferers considered to be crazy. So we have a long way to go before being able to do much about any of this.

Recommend Reply

Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Nov 14, 2024 03:04pm

Mental health is a big issue all over the world in general and South Asia in particular.

T.Ahmad Nov 14, 2024 04:02pm

Our medical team in hospital and private clinics not doing an excellent work as compared to other developed countries in East and West, please help suffering people without thinking for money first instead treat them like an angel and give them comfort as much as possible. Thanks to all medical team.

Zaheeruddin Nov 14, 2024 04:48pm

Doctors must tell the diabetic patients of science how it causes complications & impact of all on life. Understanding of which will help them save themselves. Moreover patient must be cleared that healthy nutrition & exercise is must must must of for treatment of Diabetes.