Walid Sabry
– Continuous stress may increase rates of stress, anxiety, and depression in patients – The mental health of a diabetic patient is affected by the burden of the disease and his response to treatment – Psychological stress increases the secretion of the hormone cortisol, which leads to an increase in glucose – Mental health helps adherence to the treatment plan and improves medical results
Consultant psychiatrist and Secretary of the Friends of Health Association, Dr. Ihab Rakha said that the mental health of diabetics requires increasing attention from specialists and patients alike, as diabetes is considered one of the most widespread chronic diseases in the world, and requires the patient to have a careful balance between medical treatment, diet, physical activity, and continuous follow-up. However, in the midst of this strict routine, many people overlook another vital topic and an equally important aspect, which is mental health, which plays a pivotal role in managing the disease and the patient’s quality of life.
He added that a diabetic patient lives daily with challenges related to continuous monitoring of sugar levels, and anxiety about the occurrence of sudden complications such as low or high glucose levels, in addition to adhering to a specific diet that may cause him to feel deprived or psychologically stressed, noting that these constant pressures may lead to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in patients, which has been proven by numerous studies that indicate that diabetic patients are more susceptible to depression compared to others.
The mental health of a diabetic patient is not only affected by the burden of the disease itself, but also by the person’s view of his health condition and the way he deals with treatment.
He continued: The patient who deals with his illness positively and considers it a part of his life can control symptoms and adhere to treatment better. In contrast, frustration and a feeling of helplessness lead to neglecting treatment, overeating, or other behaviors that lead to deterioration of the health condition.
Dr. said. Rakha said that the relationship between mental health and blood sugar levels is reciprocal. Psychological stress increases the secretion of the hormone cortisol, which in turn leads to an increase in glucose levels, and a continuous increase in blood sugar makes the patient more vulnerable to nervous and mental fatigue. Therefore, treating the physical and psychological aspects together is considered a basis for achieving the required balance.
Regarding effective means of maintaining good mental health for a diabetic patient, Dr. said: Rakha said that practicing regular physical activities comes first, as studies have proven that sports reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve the general mood, noting that social support from family and friends is also an important factor in enhancing self-confidence and a sense of security, in addition to behavioral psychotherapy sessions that can contribute to enhancing coping skills and helping the patient develop effective strategies to deal with daily stress.
Dr. explained. Rakha said that doctors must play an active role in regularly assessing the psychological state of their patients, and not just focus on vital indicators such as sugar or cholesterol levels. Good mental health helps adherence to the treatment plan and improves medical results in the long term. Therefore, patients should be encouraged to talk about their fears and feelings instead of concealing them, because positive communication contributes greatly to alleviating stress.
He concluded by emphasizing that it is not possible to separate the physical and mental health of diabetics, as together they form an integrated system, and that comprehensive care that takes into account the psychological aspect in addition to treatment enhances the chances of recovery and improves the quality of life, which means that caring for mental health is not a luxury, but rather an essential part of the treatment journey and living in a balanced and healthy way.
