Press release

13 November 2024, Brussels, Belgium – A new global survey conducted by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reveals that 77% of people living with diabetes have experienced anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition because of their diabetes.

The fear of developing complications (83%) was the most common factor impacting mental well-being. Other factors include daily diabetes management (76%), stigma and discrimination (58%) and fear of needles (55%).

The survey also highlighted a clear call for better support, with 3 in 4 people living with diabetes seeking increased support for their emotional and mental well-being from their healthcare providers.

Although diabetes doesn’t always lead to mental health challenges, a significant 79% of participants report experiencing diabetes burnout, primarily due to the emotional strain and demands of daily management. Alarmingly, 3 in 4 of those affected by burnout admitted to stopping or interrupting their diabetes treatment due to stress or feeling overwhelmed.

According to our latest estimates, over half a billion people are currently living with diabetes, with 1 in 8 people set to be affected by 2045,” said Prof Peter Schwarz, President of the International Diabetes Federation. “Bearing those figures in mind, our survey suggests that the mental well-being of over 400 million people could be impacted due to the daily burden of managing their condition. While diabetes affects both physical and mental well-being, care often focuses only on blood sugar management, leaving many overwhelmed. We need to look beyond blood sugar for a better diabetes life.”

Conducted across seven countries in six regions, the survey included participants from Brazil, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, South Africa, Spain and USA. In India, 86% of people with diabetes report mental health issues related to their condition. South Africa reflects similar concerns with 84% of respondents experiencing mental health struggles and 83% seeking more emotional support from healthcare providers. In Brazil, 80% of participants reported that they had stopped or interrupted their treatment due to stress caused by diabetes.

Mental well-being is not something that most doctors are concerned about, because in the consultations they are focussed on treatment, on reading the labs, on prescribing,” said Dr Douglas Villarroel, a health professional in Bolivia who has been treating diabetes for over 30 years. “When someone with diabetes comes to the consultations, if we see that person as a person, not as a patient, we’re seeing a human being, so we will treat them differently. If we do that with every patient, the world can change.”

This World Diabetes Day, the International Diabetes Federation is calling on healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities to recognise the profound impact of diabetes on well-being. Putting well-being at the heart of diabetes care can improve health outcomes and the overall quality of life for the millions of people living with diabetes worldwide.

For more information on this year’s World Diabetes Day campaign, visit https://worlddiabetesday.org/.

Survey Methodology

The survey was conducted online via Smart Survey between 09.09.24 – 09.10.24, gathering responses from 1,880 individuals across seven countries including: Brazil, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, South Africa, Spain and USA.

About The International Diabetes Federation

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is an umbrella organisation of over 240 national diabetes associations in 160 countries and territories. Its mission is to improve the lives of people with diabetes and prevent diabetes in those at risk. The Federation has been leading the global diabetes community since 1950. www.idf.org

About World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day (WDD) was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2006 with the passage of United Nation Resolution 61/225. It is marked every year on 14 November, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who, along with Charles Best, is credited with the discovery of therapeutic insulin in 1921. The World Diabetes Day 2024 campaign is supported by AstraZeneca, Lilly Diabetes, Sanofi and Servier. www.worlddiabetesday.org