India is facing an increasing burden of diabetes, with its incidence increasing rapidly in young people over the last few years. A new study in The Lancet has revealed that one-fourth of the world’s diabetes patients are from India, and more than 62% of them are not receiving any treatment.

While experts believe the reason may be low awareness and acceptance, a new study has found that most people fear developing complications as a result of the condition.

Research by the International Diabetes Federation, a leading organization of over 240 national diabetes associations, has revealed that 86% of diabetes patients in India have experienced anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions.

Dr. Banshi Sabu, a diabetologist involved in the study and chairman of the Diabetes Care and Hormone Clinic in Ahmedabad, said these figures show that the mental health of more than 59 million people in India may be affected by the daily burden of managing diabetes. His condition.

Diabetes is a long-term condition where blood sugar levels increase. Type 1 diabetes is autoimmune, requiring lifelong insulin (a hormone secreted by the pancreas) because the body cannot produce it.

Type 2 diabetes develops from insulin resistance, often linked to lifestyle, and is managed with diet, exercise, and medication. Preventing both types of complications requires monitoring, lifestyle adjustments, and stress management.

mental stress of diabetic patient

Given that diabetes treatment requires a person to check their blood sugar levels regularly to avoid frequent spikes, it causes some stress in the busy life.

Nupur Lalwani has been living with Type 1 diabetes since 1995. In type 1 diabetes, a person must undergo lifelong treatment of injecting insulin into their body or using an insulin pump to control blood sugar levels.

They need to monitor glucose regularly, follow a balanced diet, exercise and manage stress. Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and emerging technologies improve care, but consistent self-management is critical for health.

Lalwani, who relies on insulin therapy to survive, said, “Diabetes is not just a condition; it is a constant companion that affects everything. Every day, 24/7, I have to do more than 180 things just to survive. I take the decision.”

In type 2 diabetes, a person has to keep monitoring their blood sugar levels, get regular checkups to see if their pancreas, kidneys, and liver are healthy, include exercise in their daily routine, and avoid sugar. Avoid and also manage stress. Taking your medicines on time.

While fear of developing complications for mental health conditions was the most common factor among most Indian diabetes patients, other factors included daily diabetes management, receiving support from a health care professional, and access to medications and supplies.

India’s diabetes crisis is worsened by high health care costs and limited insurance coverage, as less than 25% of Indians are insured.

Diabetes care costs around Rs 15,535 per person annually, which is a heavy burden for many people. Rural states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh face low awareness and poor access to care, while cases are increasing in urban areas due to stress and lifestyle changes.

Socio-economic factors make it difficult for low-income families to afford treatment, especially in rural areas. Meanwhile, states with better health care systems, such as Delhi and Goa, show higher awareness and treatment rates, highlighting serious regional disparities.

What should be done?

While diabetes in itself requires a rigorous lifestyle, the daily task of managing it can be exhausting. Experts call on doctors to recognize the impact of diabetes on mental health to improve treatment outcomes.

Professor Peter Schwarz, President of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), who launched the survey, said most health care professionals focus on pharmacotherapy, diagnosis, management and outcome measurement for people with diabetes. The other aspect of mental health and well-being has been ignored.

Additionally, one must also consider the gender disparity of this disease when it comes to treatment in India. According to the study, 90% of women with diabetes responded that they had experienced a mental health condition as a result of diabetes, compared to 84% of men.

Professor Peter Schwarz recommended digital tools or apps that could help people feel comfortable accessing treatment for their condition. It could also help fight stigma related to therapy, he said.

Although there are no clear policies to improve access to mental health support, focusing on diabetes in the context of mental health and well-being could reduce the problem, Professor Schwarz said.

“We must develop interventions addressing mental health. And here I would say focus very strongly on digital interventions,” he said.

Tackling diabetes in India requires a holistic approach that goes beyond physical treatment.

Recognizing the deep mental health impact of the condition is important to improve outcomes and quality of life. By integrating mental health support into diabetes care and taking advantage of digital tools, individuals can be empowered to manage their condition more effectively.