Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong problem for both patients and their care givers. It involves daily monitoring of sugars, minding the diet, adjusting the life-style to prevent low sugars, 4 or more shots of insulin daily and watching out for hypoglycemia. No wonder that the risk of psychological problems are higher in subjects with type 1 diabetes. It is important that patients and families develop effective coping strategies to overcome difficulties. 15-25% of adolescents with type 1 diabetes experience depression which is much higher than the general population.
“Diabetes distress “includes negative feelings that are directly related to diabetes. For example, feeling extreme frustration with blood sugars, feeling bogged down by all the daily management tasks, or feeling isolated in the diabetes experience. Prolonged diabetes distress can lead to ‘diabetes burnout,’ a term used to encompass the feeling of being unable to cope with diabetes. It is important that patients and families discuss this with the doctor and health care team. Hiding these symptoms can be detrimental for diabetes care and eventually lead to complications.