Half of People with Diabetes in UK Report Feeling Depressed
The survey also shows that many people with diabetes are genuinely concerned about their future health prospects, with 70% of respondents expressing serious concern about health complications that may result from their diabetes and just one in three feeling confident that the NHS would adequately support them in the future.
Dr Chas Skinner, Senior Lecturer in Health Psychology at the University of Southampton and one of the country's leading experts in the psychology of diabetes, said: "The Accu-Chek survey is to my knowledge the first large scale survey into the psychological impact of diabetes carried out in the UK. The results show that a large number of people with diabetes are clearly struggling with the psychological burden of diabetes, whether in the form of depression, concern about future complications of diabetes or because of the impact of discrimination."
The results do also indicate that people with diabetes are taking responsibility for their own condition and effectively self-managing. 79% of the respondents reported that they regularly test their blood glucose levels to help them manage their condition, whilst 87% reported that a healthy diet and exercise regime is an important means of their self-management and 76% control their diabetes through the use of medication. This reflects the government's diabetes national service framework (NSF) published in January 2003, which sets out national standards and performance targets for diabetes care and aims to encourage self-care and management.
Dr Skinner continued: "The survey findings confirm those of small single centre studies done in the past. Diabetes services need to take this message on board, and ensure they provide good psychological and educational support as well sound medical advice and treatment."
Visit http://www.accu-chek.co.uk to see more information about the Accu-Chek Diabetes Survey and a summary of the results.
[1] Survey conducted via the Accu-Chek website on 962 people, from January to March 2004 - http://www.accu-chek.co.uk [2] Stats supplied by diabetes UK
ENDS
Press enquiries: Chris Webb / Vikki Richardson / Vicky Tinkler (01903) 821550
Issued by: Pegasus Public Relations
On behalf of: Roche Diagnostics
Accu-Chek Diabetes Survey Results Summary
Living with the condition
-- Over half of all the respondents (54%) said that they have felt depressed because of the condition, with nearly two thirds of patients with type 1 diabetes reporting that they have suffered from depression
-- Almost one in four respondents (22%) feel that they have experienced prejudice because they have diabetes and a higher incidence of prejudice was reported by respondents with type 1 diabetes, with 40% stating that they experienced it at some stage
-- One in five (19%) felt that diabetes has had a negative affect on their intimate relationships
-- Almost one in three (30%) have experienced difficulties at work because of their condition and over half of all people (51%) with type 1 diabetes have experienced problems at work
-- 40% of the respondents said that diabetes has had a significant impact upon their life
Managing Diabetes
-- 87% said that a healthy diet and regular exercise was an important factor for them in terms of managing their condition
-- 79% stated that they regularly test their blood glucose levels to help them manage their diabetes, with 57% describing it as vital
-- Three out of every four (75%) reported testing their blood glucose levels at least once a day
-- 76% said that they use medication to help them control their condition
Dealing with Diagnosis
-- Almost half (42%) of the respondents were worried when diagnosed and nearly one in three (32%) were upset
-- 36% reported feeling surprised when diagnosed and 16% felt angry
Availability of Information
-- 4 out of 5 (81%) felt that there wasn't enough awareness about the symptoms of diabetes
-- 60% of the respondents were satisfied with the amount of information available to them about diabetes, with only one in four saying that they are very happy with the availability of information
-- 16% of the respondents described the availability of information as poor
-- The most popular source for latest news on diabetes was the internet, with 68% regularly checking for news
-- Only 48% reported their healthcare professional as a source of latest information
Future Health Implications
-- 70% expressed serious concern about future health complications that may result from their diabetes
-- Just over one in three (38%) feel confident that the NHS will adequately support them in the future
For a full copy of the Accu-Chek diabetes survey results please contact Chris Webb or Vikki Richardson at Pegasus Public Relations on (UK) 01903 821550.
Jumãtate din persoanele cu diabet zaharat de Regatul Unit în raport de stare de depresie - Half of People with Diabetes in UK Report Feeling Depressed - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate