Therapeutic education: managing stress to live better with diabetes

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Extract from the article: Vivre avec le diabète ne se limite pas seulement à contrôler le taux de sucre dans le sang. Cette maladie chronique impose également des défis psychologiques, émotionnels et sociaux qui peuvent influencer la qualité de vie des patients et leur capaci

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Living with diabetes is about much more than simply controlling blood sugar levels. This chronic disease also brings psychological, emotional, and social challenges that can affect patients' quality of life and their ability to follow treatment properly. With this in mind, Dr. Sedo Yaovi, a clinical and health psychologist, delivered a presentation entitled « Living with Diabetes: Managing Stress, Emotions, and Personal Resources to Improve Treatment Adherence». The presentation took place during the opening of the third edition of the Diabetes and Its Complications Education Month, organized on July 29 by the Association Jeunes Intellect pour la Sécurité Alimentaire au Togo (JISA-Togo) with the support of its partners.

During his presentation, Dr. Sedo Yaovi explained that diabetes affects many aspects of a person's life. Beyond the physical effects caused by high blood sugar levels, the disease can have a significant impact on psychological well-being, family relationships, social life, and financial circumstances. He noted that receiving a diabetes diagnosis, coping with dietary restrictions, taking medication regularly, monitoring blood sugar levels, worrying about complications, and dealing with the financial burden of treatment can all trigger emotional reactions such as stress, anxiety, discouragement, or a specific condition known as diabetes-related distress.

The psychologist emphasized that stress is a natural response to situations perceived as difficult or threatening. However, when stress becomes chronic and difficult to manage, it can negatively affect sleep, mood, relationships with others, and, most importantly, a patient's ability to take care of their health.

Stress and blood sugar control: an important connection

Dr. Sedo Yaovi also highlighted the close relationship between stress and diabetes control. From a biological perspective, stressful situations trigger the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones increase the availability of glucose in the bloodstream, which can lead to elevated or unstable blood sugar levels.

This creates a vicious cycle for many patients: stress disrupts blood sugar control, rising blood sugar increases worry, and that worry, in turn, creates even more stress. To break this cycle, the specialist recommended that patients develop a better understanding of their condition and receive appropriate support.

Speaking about treatment adherence, Dr. Sedo stressed that patients who struggle to follow their treatment plan should not simply be viewed as lacking willpower. Many factors may contribute to these difficulties, including forgetfulness, medication side effects, the cost of care, poor understanding of medical advice, insufficient social support, and fear of the disease progressing.

Using personal resources to better manage diabetes

To improve treatment adherence, the psychologist recommended several practical strategies. These include providing patients with clear and accessible information about diabetes, organizing medication schedules effectively, using reminders, encouraging family support, connecting with peers who share similar experiences, and building a trusting relationship between patients and healthcare professionals. He also encouraged regular physical activity suited to each patient's condition, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and a gradual approach to solving everyday challenges.

Dr. Sedo stressed the importance of providing comprehensive care that addresses not only the physical aspects of diabetes but also its psychological and social dimensions.

"The patient must be considered as a whole person, taking into account their history, environment, personal resources, and the realities they face," he explained.

He also reminded participants that warning signs such as persistent sadness, severe anxiety, sleep disturbances, feelings of helplessness, or prolonged discouragement should prompt consultation with a mental health professional.

The presentation delivered a clear and important message: diabetes can be managed more effectively when patients are well informed, properly supported, and actively involved in their own care. Living with diabetes does not mean giving up a normal life; rather, it means gradually learning how to take care of one's body, emotions, and future.

William O.