Ahead of World Diabetes Day, a new survey from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has exposed a concerning link between diabetes and mental health issues among Pakistanis. The survey found that 78% of Pakistanis living with diabetes have faced anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions due to the demands and complications of their condition.
Survey Details and Key Findings
Conducted online from September 9 to October 9, the IDF survey gathered insights from 1,880 participants, including 200 Pakistanis. The findings paint a stark picture:
- Fear of Complications: The leading cause of mental health struggles among respondents was fear of developing severe diabetes complications, affecting 72% of those surveyed. Many worry about long-term issues like heart disease, nerve damage, and vision loss.
- Challenges in Accessing Care: About 69% cited struggles in getting necessary medications and supplies, and 65% found it difficult to access adequate healthcare support. The day-to-day grind of diabetes management took a toll on 62% of respondents.
- Call for Emotional Support: There’s a clear call for better mental health support, with 78% of Pakistanis with diabetes expressing a need for more emotional assistance from healthcare providers.
Also Read: 10 Simple Ways To Prevent Diabetes,Depression & Diabetic Neuropathy
Impact of Diabetes Burnout on Treatment
While diabetes doesn’t automatically lead to mental health challenges, nearly nine out of ten Pakistanis with diabetes (88%) admitted they had experienced “diabetes burnout”—a state of physical and emotional exhaustion from the ongoing demands of managing their condition. For many, burnout led to interruptions in their treatment: 79% reported stopping or pausing their diabetes care due to stress or feeling overwhelmed.
Also Read: Studies Find That Increasing Daily Coffee Consumption Reduces Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Diabetes Crisis in Pakistan
Professor Abdul Basit, vice chairman of the Health Promotion Foundation, highlighted the urgency of the situation: “Over 32 million people in Pakistan are currently living with diabetes, and the numbers are only expected to grow, with a projected prevalence rate of 33% among adults by 2045.” Prof. Basit emphasized that while diabetes is widely seen as a physical health issue, the mental health effects are often overlooked. “We need to look beyond blood sugar numbers to support a healthier life for people with diabetes,” he said.
Also Read: Chinese Scientists Develop Cure for Diabetes: Patients with Type 2 Recovers
IDF’s Call to Action
This World Diabetes Day, the IDF is urging healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders to put well-being at the center of diabetes care. The organization believes that by supporting the mental health of people with diabetes, we can improve overall health outcomes and enhance quality of life for millions of people worldwide.
The findings serve as a wake-up call for Pakistan and beyond: managing diabetes isn’t just about numbers on a glucose monitor-it’s about caring for the person behind those numbers.
