Why you should read this article:

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To recognise the importance of considering psychological well-being as part of the holistic care of people with diabetes mellitus

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To enhance your knowledge of the psychological issues that people with diabetes may experience, including depression, distress and guilt

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To consider the interventions you could implement in your practice to treat psychological issues in people with diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a long-term condition that can lead to complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis, retinopathy and cardiovascular disease as a result of uncontrolled high blood glucose levels. In addition to these physical health complications, people with diabetes are more likely to experience psychological issues such as guilt, distress and depression compared with the general population. These issues can negatively affect an individual’s ability to effectively monitor and self-manage their condition; however, they are often an overlooked aspect of diabetes care. This article explains how nurses can prevent, recognise and treat some of the psychological issues that people with diabetes commonly experience.