new survey released by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) ahead of World Diabetes Day revealed that 78 per cent of Pakistanis with diabetes have experienced anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions as a result of their medical condition.
The survey was conducted online between September 9 to October 9 and surveyed a total of 1,880 respondents, including 200 Pakistanis.
It found that at 72pc, the fear of developing complications was the most common factor leading to the development of mental health conditions with other factors including accessing medicines and supplies (69pc), accessing support from a healthcare professional (65pc) and daily diabetes management (62pc).
The survey also highlighted that people with diabetes want better support, with 78pc of Pakistanis living with diabetes seeking increased support for their emotional and mental well-being from their healthcare providers.
Although diabetes doesn’t always lead to mental health challenges, 88pc of the Pakistanis surveyed reported experiencing diabetes burnout, primarily due to feeling frustrated or overwhelmed by daily management of their condition. Alarmingly, over three quarters (79pc) of those affected by burnout admitted to stopping or interrupting their diabetes treatment due to stress or feeling overwhelmed.
“According to the latest IDF estimates, over 32 million people are currently living with diabetes in Pakistan, with the prevalence rate expected to reach 33pc of the adult population by 2045,” said Prof Abdul Basit, vice chairman of the Health Promotion Foundation. “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.”
Prof Basit added that 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.”
This World Diabetes Day, the International Diabetes Federation is calling on healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities to recognise the profound impact of diabetes on well-being. Putting well-being at the heart of diabetes care can improve health outcomes and the overall quality of life for the millions of people living with diabetes worldwide.