Suppressed emotions can lead to diabetes:Here’s how emotional wellbeing can help

In India, approximately 77 million adults are living with type 2 diabetes and nearly 25 million more are classified as prediabetic. This health challenge is impacting millions of people across the world. The increase in diabetes is not just a number; it reflects a serious concern that affects our wellbeing, and also leads to major health problems and lowers the quality of our life.

Research published in the National Library of Medicine reveals a troubling connection between diabetes and mental health. It shows that depression and anxiety are prevalent among those living with diabetes. The study also revealed how emotional turmoil can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Taking care of our emotional health is essential for reducing the risk of diabetes and improving overall quality of life. By caring for our mental wellbeing, we can equip ourselves to face the challenges of diabetes.

World Diabetes Day is celebrated on November 14th. This is dedicated to honouring the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin in 1922, a groundbreaking advancement in diabetes treatment. The day aims to raise awareness about diabetes and its impact on millions of people worldwide. On this day join us as we explore how you can take care of your emotional wellbeing to reduce the risk of diabetes.

Reduce stress and anxiety

The negative effects of stress are not hidden from us. In our daily lives, many of us experience stress from work and other responsibilities. This constant pressure can be tough to handle and if left unchecked, it can increase the risk of serious health issues, including diabetes. That’s why it’s important to find ways to manage these feelings. Consider activities that help you relax, like mindfulness meditation, yoga or simply taking a walk in nature. These practices can help calm your mind and reduce tension. Taking the time to care for your emotional wellbeing can make coping with diabetes stress easier.

Let it out

We often have a lot of pent-up feelings inside us and many of us tend to bottle them up. This isn’t good for our emotional health. Holding in our emotions can lead to stress and may lead to major health concerns in the future. Connecting with friends, family or support groups can provide an important outlet for expressing how we feel. Sharing our thoughts and experiences with others can lighten our emotional load. Reaching out for support is a positive step toward improving your emotional health and feeling more connected to those around you.

Seek professional support

Although we often have friends and family around to support us with our emotions, they may not always be equipped to help in the way we need. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and think you might benefit from professional help, don’t hesitate to ask for it.

Seeking support from therapists or counsellors can be valuable. They can provide strategies to cope with stress, anxiety and depression. By taking care of our emotional wellbeing, we can better manage stress and anxiety, which can ultimately reduce the risk of diabetes and improve our overall quality of life.

Master relaxation techniques

Relaxation is important for our wellbeing, yet we often overlook them. Even on weekends, when we should be relaxing, many of us find ourselves worrying about the upcoming week, chores or the future. This constant stress can take a toll on our emotional wellbeing and put us at risk of developing several diseases including diabetes. Incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routine can improve how you feel. Simple practices like deep breathing or listening to calming music can help soothe your mind and body. These techniques reduce tension and can strengthen your emotional and physical health.

Fuel your mood

Many of us find ourselves reaching for junk food, like doughnuts and sweets, especially when we’re feeling stressed. These can increase the risk of developing diabetes and other health issues. Eating nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, can boost your mood and energy levels. Avoiding too much sugar and processed foods can help stabilise your mood and prevent energy crashes. By choosing healthier options, you can improve your emotional wellbeing and reduce the risk of developing diabetes in the future.

Taking care of our emotional wellbeing is one of the best diabetes mental health tips. Suppressed emotions can harm both our mental and physical health. By managing stress, practising relaxation techniques, reaching out for support, eating well, getting enough sleep and seeking professional help when needed, we can create a healthier, happier life.