Steve McCabe MP is supporting Diabetes UK’s goal to create new national standards for diabetes emotional and mental health support, and to increase support available locally to the 83,354 people living with diabetes in the area.
Diabetes UK revealed that the demanding nature of diabetes can impact people’s emotional wellbeing and mental health, ranging from day-to-day frustration and low mood, to specific psychological and mental health difficulties such as clinical depression and anxiety. At least four in ten people with diabetes experience mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety and diabetes distress. Yet, more than three-quarters of people with diabetes are not offered mental health support when they need it.
Diabetes UK is urgently calling on the NHS to create national standards for diabetes emotional and mental health services. These should ensure that everyone receives joined up care, that they are asked how they are feeling as part of every diabetes appointment, and that a mental health professional with knowledge of diabetes is part of every diabetes care team.
Steve McCabe MP said in support of the campaign:
“More than three-quarters of people with diabetes are not offered mental health support when they need it. Mental health support for those with diabetes is integral to ensure that those living with the condition do not feel overwhelmed, alone or isolated. Evidence shows that when emotional and mental health support is part of diabetes care, people living with diabetes are able to manage their condition better”
Diabetes UK has launched a petition to call for national standards for diabetes mental health support and services. To find out more about the campaign and sign the petition go to www.diabetes.org.uk/missing
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