The never‐asked: Understanding the gap in emotional support for people living with diabetes
Authors' conclusion
Most adults with diabetes in Australia are not asked about their emotional health, despite guideline recommendations. Elevated distress is common yet under-identified. Systemic changes are needed to close this gap.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with diabetes in Australia
- Participants
- 1,092 eligible respondents
- Exposure
- Participant characteristics compared by 'asked' status; demographic and clinical predictors of never being asked
- CGM usersn = 391reference
- Outcome
- Never asked about diabetes-related emotional health by diabetes healthcare provider
Methodological detailspre-specified multivariable logistic regression, inductive thematic analysis of open text responses
- Pre-specified multivariable logistic regression
- Inductive thematic analysis of open text responses
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Reported never being asked
n = 797; 73%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | OR for never being asked (95% CI) | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odds of never being asked about emotional healthCGM use was the strongest predictor of being asked · multivariable logistic regression | 2.00 (1.19–3.33) | P = 0.007 | |
| 0.20.5125OR for never being asked (log scale) |
Screened positive for diabetes distress (PAID-5 ≥ 8)
- Screened positive for diabetes distress
- 42%
- Similar prevalence irrespective of 'asked' status
Qualitative themes
- Seven qualitative themes emerged, highlighting the emotional burden of diabetes, inconsistent care and participants' desire to be asked about emotional wellbeing
Original publication
The never‐asked: Understanding the gap in emotional support for people living with diabetes. Diabet Med. Published 8 November 2026. doi:10.
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