Health (Emotional + Social)
The emotional dimension of health is closely intertwined with the physical, as T2DM patients are often heavily impacted emotionally as the disease brings on much stress. Diabetes patients may feel nervous, worried, and chronically frustrated due to multiple factors. Once diagnosed with diabetes, patients may be in a state of shock, denial and anger. Considering that some may have to change their whole lifestyle when it comes to eating and drinking to control the illness, some see this as a restrictive lifestyle and may become depressed. There is a constant need to monitor blood sugar levels coupled with managing diet, working out, and taking medications. This often leads to chronic emotional fatigue. Adding to the feeling of exhaustion, patients may feel the feeling of guilt if blood sugar levels aren’t in the range they should be in. They then lack a sense of self-esteem, which further deepens the pit of self-care. In addition to being overwhelmed emotionally, patients also worry about serious health concerns such as vision loss, nerve damage, and heart complications. This can lead to chronic anxiety and stress. Not only does diabetes bring out anxiety, but patients can tend to isolate. Most people with the illness feel stigmatized and feel different from their peers due to their dietary restrictions. If the
compounding issues of diabetes are not dealt with, the patient is bound to face distress which greatly hinders their ability to manage the disease. If the emotional strain that accompanies diabetes is not properly managed, it can lead to severe depression. Thus, helping to educate patients about the disease and engaging with them is key. Supporting the emotional well-being of these individuals is extremely important, just as it is addressing the physical aspects of the disease.
Seniors over the age of 55 are affected socially by the presence of type 2 diabetes. Managing diabetes requires ongoing attention to diet, exercise, medication, and blood sugar monitoring, which often makes social interactions difficult. For example, many social functions are centered around food and drink which may not be suitable for a person with diabetes. This creates a pressure to fit in, as a person with diabetes dietary requirements are very different. This in turn, may lead to social anxiety or withdrawal. A diabetic may choose not go to events or as mentioned before, isolate. Moreover, the blemish associated with diabetes, like lifestyle choices and weight, only aggravate the already fractured self-image one may have of themselves and their relationships with others. Furthermore, the needed breaks for blood sugar control or other medication scheduling may cause dilemmas socially or feelings of awkwardness. All of these societal misconceptions and the social burden of living with a chronic disease can increase distress and can complicate the effective health management of a patient. As the CDC states, “One of the best ways to predict how well someone will manage their diabetes is how much support they get from family and friends.” … “Your support can help make the difference between your loved one feeling overwhelmed or empowered.” (CDC.gov, 2025). In conclusion, for someone with type 2 diabetes, the social aspect to enjoy good health is closely linked to their ability to sustain relationships, participate in social interactions without dread or shame, and enjoy feeling accepted in society.
compounding issues of diabetes are not dealt with, the patient is bound to face distress which greatly hinders their ability to manage the disease. If the emotional strain that accompanies diabetes is not properly managed, it can lead to severe depression. Thus, helping to educate patients about the disease and engaging with them is key. Supporting the emotional well-being of these individuals is extremely important, just as it is addressing the physical aspects of the disease.
Seniors over the age of 55 are affected socially by the presence of type 2 diabetes. Managing diabetes requires ongoing attention to diet, exercise, medication, and blood sugar monitoring, which often makes social interactions difficult. For example, many social functions are centered around food and drink which may not be suitable for a person with diabetes. This creates a pressure to fit in, as a person with diabetes dietary requirements are very different. This in turn, may lead to social anxiety or withdrawal. A diabetic may choose not go to events or as mentioned before, isolate. Moreover, the blemish associated with diabetes, like lifestyle choices and weight, only aggravate the already fractured self-image one may have of themselves and their relationships with others. Furthermore, the needed breaks for blood sugar control or other medication scheduling may cause dilemmas socially or feelings of awkwardness. All of these societal misconceptions and the social burden of living with a chronic disease can increase distress and can complicate the effective health management of a patient. As the CDC states, “One of the best ways to predict how well someone will manage their diabetes is how much support they get from family and friends.” … “Your support can help make the difference between your loved one feeling overwhelmed or empowered.” (CDC.gov, 2025). In conclusion, for someone with type 2 diabetes, the social aspect to enjoy good health is closely linked to their ability to sustain relationships, participate in social interactions without dread or shame, and enjoy feeling accepted in society.
