Communities bring people together and make them feel less alone and more supported in their journey. They help people find a voice to advocate for themselves and others like them. There is no doubt that active communities play a key role in the overall health management of people living with chronic health conditions, including Diabetes. For people with different types of Diabetes, a Diabetes community is a support system that they probably didn't know they were missing until they found it! Communities also keep people with Diabetes informed of new developmentsand motivated to stay the course and follow a healthy lifestyle - by eating healthy, exercising regularly, medication and testing blood sugar levels regularly..The social impact of Diabetes Diabetes (all types) is not just a physical condition but also, greatly impacts the mental health and wellbeing of a person. Unfortunately, this aspect is often neglected by people living with Diabetes, their caregivers as well as providers. The quality of life is a parameter that is as important as physical health and wellbeing. Counsellingis therefore essential in healthcare and especially in diabetes management.Counselling could broadly consist of professional or formal counselling, such as by a psychologist or by a peer support system such as a diabetes community, which is an informal form of counselling and support.The association between different types of Diabetes and mental health conditions such as depression has been researched and established. The World Health Organisation states that there is "a substantial gap between the burden caused by mental disorders and the resources available to prevent and treat them. It is estimated that four out of five people with serious mental disorders living in low and middle-income countries do not receive the mental health services that they need". To add to it, COVID 19 has exacerbated distress and common mental health issues and so community and counselling become important pillars of Diabetes management.India is among the highest cases of Diabetes in the world with over 77 million people. These people living with different types of Diabetes as well as their caregivers deserve a non-judgemental, peer-supported system and a safe space to share their thoughts and concerns. There are broadlythree major issues of (lack of) access, costs and stigma when it comes to treatment and support for both diabetes and mental health. Governments, civil society organisations, hospitals, NGOs as well as people living with Diabetes need to come together to address and work on these issues that impact the lives of millions.Counselling in DiabetesPublic counselling projects and anonymous counselling portals play a key role in addressing the stigmas and sharing correct information about Diabetes. There are several stigmas and issues related to diabetes including a hesitancy to medicate, resistance to measure blood sugar levels regularly, concerns regarding marriage and pregnancy when either one or both partners have any type of diabetes, fear to exercise, reliance on alternative forms of medication or home remedies, the influence ofwell-known health gurus suggesting to stop insulin or medication, and so on. When people finally end up reaching out to counselling portals they have usually already experienced the whole gamut of running from pillar to post, trying to 'cure' or 'treat' their Diabetes and eventually realising that nothing works except science and medical advice.Counselling is essential for people of all age groups, be it pre-teens, young adults, middle-aged people or even senior citizens. There is something to learn for all, whether they are themselves living with Diabetes or they are caregivers. We must understand that shaming and blaming is the incorrect approach to managing health. What works is creating a safe bubble where people can share their fears, however irrational they may seem. When people see others like them living a normal life, taking care of their sugars and managing their lives beautifully, they get inspired and motivated to do the same.People with Diabetes and their caregivers can find active and vibrant online support groups and diabetes communities on Facebook such as Diabetes Support Network - India where they can ask their queries (even anonymously!), share their concerns, fears and happy moments and achievements while living with Diabetes. Such counselling platforms and online support groups help deal with the stigma and shame that surround Diabetes in India, help spread correct information and provide Diabetes families and safe space for people.In an ideal situation, all hospitals, clinics, schools, higher education institutions etc. would have some basic information available on Diabetes, including the different types of Diabetes, symptoms, basics about emergencies like hypoglycaemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, tips on nutrition, exercise, lifestyle improvements and busting myths of common stigmas, which would be useful for everyone who came across them. Ms Nupur Lalvani is a Type 1Diabetes survivor and the founder-director of Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation. She is also a Certified Diabetes Educator and insulin pump trainer.
Communities bring people together and make them feel less alone and more supported in their journey. They help people find a voice to advocate for themselves and others like them. There is no doubt that active communities play a key role in the overall health management of people living with chronic health conditions, including Diabetes. For people with different types of Diabetes, a Diabetes community is a support system that they probably didn't know they were missing until they found it! Communities also keep people with Diabetes informed of new developmentsand motivated to stay the course and follow a healthy lifestyle - by eating healthy, exercising regularly, medication and testing blood sugar levels regularly..The social impact of Diabetes Diabetes (all types) is not just a physical condition but also, greatly impacts the mental health and wellbeing of a person. Unfortunately, this aspect is often neglected by people living with Diabetes, their caregivers as well as providers. The quality of life is a parameter that is as important as physical health and wellbeing. Counsellingis therefore essential in healthcare and especially in diabetes management.Counselling could broadly consist of professional or formal counselling, such as by a psychologist or by a peer support system such as a diabetes community, which is an informal form of counselling and support.The association between different types of Diabetes and mental health conditions such as depression has been researched and established. The World Health Organisation states that there is "a substantial gap between the burden caused by mental disorders and the resources available to prevent and treat them. It is estimated that four out of five people with serious mental disorders living in low and middle-income countries do not receive the mental health services that they need". To add to it, COVID 19 has exacerbated distress and common mental health issues and so community and counselling become important pillars of Diabetes management.India is among the highest cases of Diabetes in the world with over 77 million people. These people living with different types of Diabetes as well as their caregivers deserve a non-judgemental, peer-supported system and a safe space to share their thoughts and concerns. There are broadlythree major issues of (lack of) access, costs and stigma when it comes to treatment and support for both diabetes and mental health. Governments, civil society organisations, hospitals, NGOs as well as people living with Diabetes need to come together to address and work on these issues that impact the lives of millions.Counselling in DiabetesPublic counselling projects and anonymous counselling portals play a key role in addressing the stigmas and sharing correct information about Diabetes. There are several stigmas and issues related to diabetes including a hesitancy to medicate, resistance to measure blood sugar levels regularly, concerns regarding marriage and pregnancy when either one or both partners have any type of diabetes, fear to exercise, reliance on alternative forms of medication or home remedies, the influence ofwell-known health gurus suggesting to stop insulin or medication, and so on. When people finally end up reaching out to counselling portals they have usually already experienced the whole gamut of running from pillar to post, trying to 'cure' or 'treat' their Diabetes and eventually realising that nothing works except science and medical advice.Counselling is essential for people of all age groups, be it pre-teens, young adults, middle-aged people or even senior citizens. There is something to learn for all, whether they are themselves living with Diabetes or they are caregivers. We must understand that shaming and blaming is the incorrect approach to managing health. What works is creating a safe bubble where people can share their fears, however irrational they may seem. When people see others like them living a normal life, taking care of their sugars and managing their lives beautifully, they get inspired and motivated to do the same.People with Diabetes and their caregivers can find active and vibrant online support groups and diabetes communities on Facebook such as Diabetes Support Network - India where they can ask their queries (even anonymously!), share their concerns, fears and happy moments and achievements while living with Diabetes. Such counselling platforms and online support groups help deal with the stigma and shame that surround Diabetes in India, help spread correct information and provide Diabetes families and safe space for people.In an ideal situation, all hospitals, clinics, schools, higher education institutions etc. would have some basic information available on Diabetes, including the different types of Diabetes, symptoms, basics about emergencies like hypoglycaemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, tips on nutrition, exercise, lifestyle improvements and busting myths of common stigmas, which would be useful for everyone who came across them. Ms Nupur Lalvani is a Type 1Diabetes survivor and the founder-director of Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation. She is also a Certified Diabetes Educator and insulin pump trainer.
