The work of NHS Diabetes has now come to a close and responsibility for this website has transferred to NHS Improving Quality (NHS IQ). Content on this site will remain accessible for up to three months from 1 April 2013 but the site will no longer be regularly updated. For further information or enquiries, please contact enquiries@nhsiq.nhs.uk

NHS

Diabetes Journey

Diabetes care areas - click here to navigate to care area page

Ask a question

As of April 1st 2013 NHS Diabetes became part of NHS Improving Quality. Please direct your enquiry to enquiries@nhsiq.nhs.uk

Our work areas

Emotional and psychological support

The Challenge

Compared with the general population, prevalence of psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders amongst people with diabetes is significantly increased. It is estimated that 41 per cent of people with diabetes will experience poor psychological well being.

Poor emotional and psychological wellbeing among people with diabetes is associated with poor glycaemic control, increasing the risk of developing diabetes-related complications, which can lead to reduced quality of life, increased healthcare costs, lost productivity and increased mortality. The provision of emotional and psychological treatment and support has been found to reduce psychological distress and improve health related outcomes.

How is NHS Diabetes supporting you?

NHS Diabetes is collaborating with many organisations to develop a comprehensive model of care for the emotional and psychological support for people with diabetes. NHS Diabetes is a publication partner of the NICE quality standard for diabetes in adults, standard none of which states that 'people with diabetes are assessed for psychological problems, which are then managed appropriately'.

The joint NHS Diabetes and Diabetes UK Emotional and Psychological Support and Care working group published a report detailing the range and complexity of emotional and psychological support needed by people with diabetes. The report also highlights the current challenges for emotional and psychological support services together with guidance and recommendations in areas including: commissioning, organisation of care, provision of services, workforce and future research priorities.

Bookmark and Share