M. Waqar Bhatti
Islamabad: Ahead of World Diabetes Day, a global survey by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reveals that a staggering 78% of Pakistan’s 33 million people living with diabetes have faced anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges directly linked to managing their condition.
The survey highlights the leading causes of this mental health burden, with the fear of complications affecting 72% of respondents.
Additional factors include difficulties in accessing medicines and supplies (69%), limited support from healthcare professionals (65%), and the daily demands of diabetes management (62%). Compounding
these challenges, over half (58%) of Pakistanis with diabetes report facing stigma due to their condition.
The emotional toll of diabetes doesn’t stop there. An overwhelming 88% of respondents in Pakistan report experiencing “diabetes burnout,” a state of emotional and physical exhaustion resulting from the ongoing requirements of managing the disease.
Over three-quarters (79%) of those affected by burnout admit to either halting or interrupting their treatment due to the emotional strain, raising concerns about the sustainability of diabetes care.
The IDF survey points to a strong demand for better emotional and mental health support, with 78% of respondents expressing a desire for increased mental health resources from their healthcare providers.
Prof. Abdul Basit, Secretary General of the Diabetic Association of Pakistan (DAP) and prominent figure in global diabetes research, warned of the potential scope of the issue.
“According to the latest IDF estimates, over 32 million people in Pakistan are currently living with diabetes, with the prevalence rate expected to reach 33% of the adult population by 2045.
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,” he explained.
Prof. Basit also underscored the need for a holistic approach to diabetes care that addresses more than just physical symptoms.
“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,” he added.
This World Diabetes Day marked each year on November 14 to commemorate Sir Frederick Banting’s birthday, the IDF is calling on healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities to recognize the significant impact of diabetes on mental health.
Emphasizing well-being as a core component of diabetes care could, they suggest, lead to better health outcomes and improved quality of life for the millions living with diabetes worldwide.
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