Whether you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes or have been living with this health condition for a long time, managing diabetes can be tough. Some people report feeling overwhelmed having to manage their medication and attend medical appointments. Other’s report finding it difficult to make the lifestyle changes necessary to cope with diabetes.
Vita Health Group are working alongside physical health professionals to provide better support to patients with diabetes.
Treatments offered include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which has been shown to be effective at reducing symptoms of low mood, anxiety and other emotional problems commonly reported in diabetes patients.
Living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can often lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Feeling low most of the time and reduced interest or pleasure in once enjoyable activities.
- Excessive worry
- Strong negative feelings towards diabetes
- Feeling that the diabetes is out of control
- Feeling alone and isolated with diabetes
- Avoiding or being unmotivated to follow a treatment plan
Living Well with diabetes
Jayne Chapman, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner at Vita Health Group discusses living well with Diabetes including the support available.
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Diabetes UK Helpline
Diabetes UK Helpline 0345 123 2399.
This is a dedicated diabetes helpline for all people with diabetes, their family or friends, and people who are worried they might be at risk.
Call the confidential helpline to talk to highly trained advisors – they have counselling skills and an extensive knowledge of diabetes. They can provide information about the condition, take the time to talk things through and explore emotional, social, psychological or practical difficulties.
You don’t need a question about diabetes to call.
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Useful links
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/
DESMOND (for type 2 diabetes): www.desmond-project.org.uk
DAFNE (for type 1 diabetes): www.dafne.uk.com
X-PERT (for type 2 diabetes): www.xperthealth.org.uk
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Useful apps
FoodSwitch (iOS & Android): app to support making healthy food choices
My Sugr (iOS and Android): an app that allows users to complete a digital logbook that can help with diabetes management. It can track blood sugars, record carbohydrate intake, estimate HbA1c and much more. For more information visit: https://www.mysugr.com/en/diabetes-app/
Digibete app and website (iOS & Android): For children and young people with Type 1 diabetes and their families. The app and website includes a wide range of awareness, education, training and support resources.
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Books
Diabetes and wellbeing: Managing the Psychological and Emotional Challenges of Diabetes Type 1 and 2 (2013)
- Authors: Dr Jen Nash
- Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
- An evidence-based guide for people struggling with Diabetes – as well as their friends and family – that provides practical information and accessible advice on how to manage and live with this challenging condition.
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Podcasts and sounds
Diabetes.co.uk Wellness Programme Podcast (DWP) about understanding and managing stress to support good diabetes management
Positive Coping with Health Conditions – Relaxation Method Audio resource that goes through exercises to release tension and promote relaxation. Accompanies a self-care workbook written by health professionals that provides strategies to help individuals living with health problems to cope
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Videos
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Available at our Crystal Palace, Mottingham, Croydon and Orpington clinics, this offer is valid until the 31st July, so book your appointment today!
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for a free 30min webinar on Vita’s newest course – Mental Health Advocacy. Designed specifically for the workplace, learn about the mental health topics covered, learning style and after course support. Book below.