As part of the commemoration of World Diabetes Day, experts warn that the effects of this chronic condition – which affects the way the body converts food into energy – It can generate, among other complications, mental health problems.
It is worth remembering that the last National Health Survey revealed that in Chile 12.3 percent of the population over 20 years of age is diagnosed with this pathologythe equivalent of more than two million people.
Regarding this situation, the psychologist Fernanda Nunezfrom the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, explained that «it has been observed through experience that people with diabetes have three times more likely to suffer from mental health problems, mainly depression and anxiety«.
«Unfortunately, little is said about the relationship between these pathologies and diabetes in Chile. and it is important to diagnose them in time to begin treatment,» the expert analyzed.
Although diabetes is treatable, its diagnosis can have a considerable emotional impact on those living with this condition, because Adapting to living with a chronic pathology can be a difficult process.
«These types of disorders can affect 30 percent of people with diabetes, which makes treatment management difficult, because it affects the motivation to make the lifestyle changes necessary for treatment, such as keeping glucose levels controlled through diet. Therefore, it is necessary and essential to accompany them with a multidisciplinary approach,» explained Núñez.
The specialist added that «it is important to make visible a hidden reality, many people with diabetes may have mental health problems and do not know it, and it is necessary carry out appropriate psychoeducation and that they are informed so that they can consult a specialist in timeespecially considering that our country has the highest prevalence of diabetes in Latin America.»
TYPES OF DIABETES
In our country, most cases correspond to type 2 diabetes, which is related to lifestyle and genetic factors. Its appearance can be avoided with a healthy diet; exercise regularly; maintain adequate weight and not smoke, among other modifiable risk factors.
Meanwhile, heType 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that is usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.. Its treatment is based on controlling blood glucose levels, with the use of exogenous insulin through injections or a pump.