AIIMS study shows high distress among diabetics in Punjab, calls for holistic approach, ET HealthWorld
Chandigarh: Diabetes not only affects physical health but also takes a significant toll on emotional and psychological well-being. A new study by researchers from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda; Christian Medical College, Vellore (Tamil Nadu); and Bharti Hospital, Karnal (Haryana); sheds light on the high prevalence of diabetes distress among people with diabetes (PWD), underscoring the need for holistic management strategies that address both medical and mental health challenges.
The cross-sectional study, conducted between June 2023 and Jan 2024, analysed data from 596 clinically stable people with diabetes attending a non-communicable disease (NCD) screening clinic. Participants were systematically selected, and assessed for diabetes distress and coping mechanisms. The research, led by Dr Madhur Verma and a team of experts, revealed concerning statistics about the emotional burden of diabetes.
The findings indicate that 18.1per cent of participants experienced moderate to severe diabetes distress. Emotional distress emerged as the most common concern (23.8per cent), followed by regimen-related distress (19.6per cent), interpersonal relations distress (18.1per cent), and physician-related distress (16.9per cent). The study identified key factors influencing distress levels, including education, employment status, income stability, tobacco and alcohol use, and diabetes control.
Among vulnerable groups, distress was significantly higher among less educated individuals (40.5per cent), unskilled workers (75per cent), those with unstable incomes (45.3per cent), tobacco users (57.1per cent), and those with uncontrolled diabetes (25per cent). Emotional and regimen-related distress was affected by lifestyle factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, whereas physician-related distress was linked to diabetes control status.
The study, ‘Distress and Coping Mechanisms Among People with Diabetes: Cross-Sectional Assessment from an NCD Screening Clinic of a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India’, was carried out by a team comprising Dr Shivani Sidana, Dr Prakash Kumar, Dr Omna Singh, Dr Vandana Esht, Dr Karthick Balasubramanian, Dr Nitin Kapoor, Dr Rakesh Kakkar, and Dr Sanjay Kalra.
The findings, which were published in the latest edition of the Journal of Diabetology and Metabolic Syndrome, highlight the necessity for a comprehensive approach to diabetes care that integrates psychological support with routine medical treatment.
Experts stress the importance of tailored interventions aimed at improving coping mechanisms, particularly among high-risk groups. Enhancing access to mental health support, promoting awareness, and equipping patients with better self-management strategies could significantly improve their overall quality of life.
