Type 2 diabetes and mental wellbeing: 4 tips to feel more in control

Eleven million Canadians live with diabetes or prediabetes, and approximately 90 per cent of those diagnosed have type 2 diabetes.ⁱ However, the discussions around the impact of type 2 diabetes predominantly focus on the physical health, even though the chronic condition can also often affect one’s overall mental wellbeing. According to a recent survey, two in five British Columbians say their type 2 diabetes negatively affects their mental health.ⁱⁱ

“It’s a persistent thought throughout the day for people living with diabetes,ⁱⁱⁱ” shares Dr. Akshay Jain, Surrey-based clinical and research endocrinologist. “It’s exhausting to constantly think about what to eat, not to eat, how you’re feeling or what your glucose levels might be.”^iv

Living with type 2 diabetes can also feel isolating.^v A quarter of British Columbians with the condition feel their loved ones don’t understand what they’re going through and 43 per cent avoid talking about their diabetes with others.^vi

“It’s important to remember you are not alone on this journey,” Dr. Jain adds. “Try finding others living with the condition and share your experiences as well as how to manage. Your healthcare team can also help navigate any overwhelming feelings and come up with an action plan that works for you to help improve how you’re feeling mentally.”

To find a positive path forward, diabetes experts recommend:

• Grab Some “Me” Time: Take a break and choose an activity that helps you recharge, like reading a book or watching your favourite show.^vii
• Get Active: Even a short walk can have a calming effect that lasts hours.^viii
• Monitor Your Levels: Anxiety or stress can feel like low glucose levels and vice versa, which can make managing both a challenge.^ix Regularly checking your levels with a flash glucose monitor like Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre system^*,** is simple and importantly, it can help you stay in the target range, feel better and reclaim a sense of control.^{¥ ≠}
• Listen to Your Feelings: If your diabetes causes you stress and anxiety for more than a week or two, it could be a sign you need help to feel better.^x Talk to your healthcare team. They can help problem solve and refer you to another care provider if needed.^xi

Visit myfreestyle.ca for more tips and information.

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DISCLAIMER

^{¥ For FreeStyle Libre, a finger prick test using a blood glucose meter is required during times of rapidly changing glucose levels when interstitial fluid glucose levels may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels or if hypoglycaemia or impending hypoglycaemia is reported by the system or when symptoms do not match the system readings.}

^{≠ For FreeStyle Libre 2, finger pricks are required if your glucose readings and alarms do not match symptoms or expectations.}

^{* The FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in adults aged 18 years and older with diabetes mellitus. Always read and follow the label/insert.}

^{** The FreeStyle Libre 2 flash glucose monitoring system is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in people aged 4 years and older with diabetes mellitus. Always read and follow the label/insert.}

^{ADC-60835v1.0 July 2022}

^{i. Diabetes Canada. What is diabetes? https://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes/what-is-diabetes. Last accessed May 31, 2022.}

^{ii. Leger. Type 2 diabetes survey: Diabetes management and wellness. May 2022.}

^{iii. Leger. Type 2 diabetes survey: Diabetes management and wellness. May 2022.}

^{iv. Leger. Type 2 diabetes survey: Diabetes management and wellness. May 2022.}

^{v. Leger. Type 2 diabetes survey: Diabetes management and wellness. May 2022.}

^{vi. Leger. Type 2 diabetes survey: Diabetes management and wellness. May 2022}

^{vii. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes and Mental Health. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/mental-health.html. Last accessed June 16, 2022.}

^{viii. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes and Mental Health. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/mental-health.html. Last accessed June 16, 2022.}

^{ix. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes and Mental Health. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/mental-health.html. Last accessed June 16, 2022.}

^{x. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 10 Tips for Coping with Diabetes Distress. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/diabetes-distress/ten-tips-coping-diabetes-distress.html. Last accessed June 16, 2022.}

^{xi. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 10 Tips for Coping with Diabetes Distress. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/diabetes-distress/ten-tips-coping-diabetes-distress.html. Last accessed June 16, 2022.}