Diabetes is a type of endocrine disease in which the body is not producing or using insulin in the body. According to the American Diabetes Association, there are over 23.6 million people in the United States who have diabetes. Being diagnosed with diabetes not only changes someone's lifestyle, it also brings about a myriad of feelings and emotions that can be difficult to express or deal with. The key is understanding that these feelings are normal and they generally get better as a diabetic becomes more aware of how to deal with the disease and its effects.
Denial
One major psychological effect of diabetes is experiencing denial. Denial generally forms when the patient is first diagnosed. At first, someone may be overwhelmed with how the disease will affect their life. They are told by their doctor that they may have to take insulin shots, pills and poke their finger several times a day to test blood glucose levels. This can be overwhelming for anyone. They may also be told that they need to completely change their diet and eat healthier. A physician may also say that other health complications could arise such as heart disease, stroke, blindness and amputation as a result from diabetes. They could be in denial about both short term care such as injections and long term aspects such as disease complications. They could temporarily give up in caring for their diabetes and go into denial about having the illness. This can cause serious effects on the body.
Depression
Depression is a common psychological effect of diabetes. This means that the diabetic is sad, confused and may feel helpless about their disease diagnosis. Depression can be a very serious effect and may lead to professional counseling and assistance to help deal with the effects of the disease. Medical help should be sought immediately as depression should not be ignored. Prolonged depression can lead to weakened immunity and lack of physical activity---two main factors that could further affect diabetes.
Anger
Anger is common in many newly diagnosed diabetics. They may hold resentment against others who freely eat sweets and junk food. They may find it unfair that they are stuck having to make such drastic lifestyle choices when others lead the same lifestyle as them and are perfectly healthy. Anger may manifest against others who do not have to follow the same lifestyle changes and habits as they do.
Embarrassment
Some people who are affected by diabetes may experience periods of embarrassment. This a common psychological effect of the disease. The reason for this may be they have to carry around insulin, blood monitoring equipment, syringes or wear an insulin pump. They may feel uncomfortable taking their blood sugar at a restaurant or at school. All of these factors can lead to embarrassment and shame.
Acceptance
Acceptance is often the last phase of psychological distress that is associated with diabetes. The diabetic will eventually come to terms with their disease. They will realize that they have to make healthy lifestyle changes in order to lead a full and productive life. Knowing that they can change the way they eat and take care of themselves will help them live longer and be less likely to encounter diabetes-related health problems.
