
Psychosocial care in the management of diabetes: America’s recommendations follow Indian guidelines
by Dr Sanjay Kalra, Endocrinologist – Bharti Hospital Karnal and Vice President, South Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies
BIDIRECTIONAL RELATIONSHIP
Diabetes, one of the most psychologically demanding chronic illnesses, has several associated comorbid conditions. The impact of diabetes on a person’s mental and emotional well-being is one of the most overlooked aspects of diabetic care.
Studies have shown a bidirectional relationship between mental health disorders and diabetes. It is postulated that depression and related symptoms may develop due to stress or metabolic effects of diabetes on the brain. It is also established that depressive symptoms correlate with poor glycemic control and diabetic complications.
Recent research has shown that mental health issues associated with diabetes have a much wider spectrum. Panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder are also common among those living with diabetes, irrespective of comorbid depression. As the disease incidence continues to rise, the following recommendations bridge the much-needed health care gap for the persons living with diabetes.
AMERICAN RECOMMENDATIONS
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has released its first Position Statement on ‘Psychosocial care for people with diabetes’. The guidelines encourage comprehensive, personalized mental health assessment and treatment as part of routine care of diabetes.
The key recommendations are as follows:
• Psychosocial care should be integrated with collaborative, patient-centered medical care and provided to all peo
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