Managing Diabetes and Mental Health at GluCare Health
One of the most important aspects of our job as healthcare providers at GluCare.Health is helping our patients manage their diabetes in a way that not only controls their blood sugar levels but also promotes overall health and well-being.
This includes addressing the link between diabetes and mental health, as these conditions often have a significant impact on one another.
The physical and emotional toll of living with a chronic condition, the stress of managing diabetes, and the potential for complications can all contribute to mental health issues.
Diabetes and Depression: Research Findings
Recent research has shown that people with diabetes are 2 to 3 times more likely to have depression than people without diabetes. Only 25% to 50% of people with diabetes who have depression get diagnosed and treated.
The relationship between diabetes and mental health is also bidirectional. Poorly managed diabetes can also have a negative impact on mental health, as patients may feel overwhelmed or discouraged by the challenges of managing their condition. This can make it difficult for individuals to stick to their diabetes management plan and lead to poor glucose control over time.
Addressing Diabetes and Mental Health at GluCare
That is why, at GluCare.Health, we believe it’s important to address both diabetes and mental health as part of a comprehensive care plan. We do this is three ways:
- In-Clinic Diabetes Distress Measurement: We collect mental health data as part of our value-based approach, following the Diabetes Standard Set from the International Consortium for Health Measurement Outcomes (ICHOM) to assess diabetes-related distress.
- Remote Monitoring of Mental Health Biomarkers: We track digital biomarkers like Heart Rate Variability, which correlate strongly with mental health, along with patient-generated surveys, to continuously monitor our patients’ well-being.
- Personalized Diabetes and Mental Health Coaching: Each patient has access to a dedicated personal coach through our app, who serves as an accountability partner and provides support for any mental health challenges patients may face during their diabetes management journey.
Mental Health Support in Diabetes Care
We also work closely with mental health professionals to identify and treat any mental health issues, as well as providing support and resources to help patients effectively manage their diabetes. For our patients, this may include education on healthy eating and physical activity, as well as providing access to tools and technology that can help them better track and manage their diabetes.
We also encourage regular check-ins and follow-up appointments to monitor diabetes control and address any issues that may arise. Additionally, we provide support groups and mental health resources for individuals to help them cope with the emotional burden of living with diabetes.
It’s also important to recognize that every individual is unique and their diabetes and mental health journey can be different. So, personalized care plans are crucial to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, at GluCare.Health, we understand the critical importance of addressing both diabetes and mental health for our patients. By working closely with mental health professionals and providing personalized support, we can help our patients manage their diabetes and improve their overall quality of life. We encourage all individuals with diabetes to talk to their healthcare provider about how to support their mental health as part of their diabetes management plan.
