The psychosocial burdens of living with diabetes
Authors' conclusion
Integrating psychosocial discussions and support within routine healthcare visits is crucial to improve outcomes for people with diabetes. Such a biopsychosocial model of healthcare has long been advocated by regulatory bodies.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with T1D or T2D reached via social media, stakeholder networks, charity and advocacy groups; 78% T1D, 73% women, 91% whitecompleted survey
- Participants
- 478 adults
- Outcome
- Prevalence of self-reported psychosocial burdens and unmet needs in relation to routine diabetes visits
Methodological detailsonline survey, English language, descriptive statistics, thematic analysis of free-text responses
- Online survey
- English language
- Descriptive statistics
- Thematic analysis of free-text responses
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Self-reported psychosocial burdens
- Self-reported anxiety
- n = 323
- Self-reported depression
- n = 313
- Fear of low blood sugars
- n = 294
- Low mood
- n = 290
- Diabetes-related distress
- n = 257
- Diabetes negatively affected self-esteem
- 68%
- Feelings of loneliness
- 62%
- Friends/family/work colleagues supportive when needed
- 93%
- Diabetes team never raised the topic of mental health
- 57%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Unmet needs: what the diabetes team could do
- Overwhelming majority: simply ask about mental well-being, listen with empathy and without judgement, and practise skills to understand psychosocial issues
Original publication
The psychosocial burdens of living with diabetes. Diabet Med. Published 12 October 2023. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →