The broader biopsychosocial implications of diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes is chronic illness characterized by the body’s inability to produce sufficient quantities of insulin or an inability to use insulin effectively. The illness poses a major threat to public health. Biomedical advances have significantly helped to improve the quality of life of afflicted individuals, reducing morbidity and mortality rates. Diabetes is a multifaceted problem, characterized by wide-ranging biopsychosocial implications. It can cause considerable health complications if it remains untreated. The process of adjustment may be too overwhelming for some, resulting in anxiety and depression. A diabetes diagnosis may also affect family members who may be worried about potential health problems of their loved ones. Some individuals who are diagnosed with diabetes seem to go through stages of grief as they come to terms with their illness. This article discusses the broader biopsychosocial implications of diabetes and the importance of addressing the illness from a holistic perspective.