A US-based qualitative study highlights the emotional and informational needs of people with type 2 diabetes at diagnosis
By Emmanuel Ekpor [1]
“That it’s manageable, you can live with it. It’s certainly not a death sentence by any stretch of the imagination”1
– Person with T2D
Being told “you have type 2 diabetes (T2D)” can be a life-changing moment, filled with a mix of emotions. Many people feel shocked, scared, overwhelmed, or blame themselves. At diagnosis, healthcare professionals typically focus on education about diabetes management. But research [2]from the United States suggests we may need to rethink how and when these conversations happen.
What did the study involve?
The study looked at how people felt when they were first diagnosed with T2D and what messages they wished they had received at that time. Researchers interviewed 18 adults who had been diagnosed with T2D within the previous 12 months. All participants had attended a diabetes education program.
What did the study show?
Many participants described strong emotional reactions when they were diagnosed. They felt shocked, frightened, or in denial. Some also blamed themselves for developing diabetes.
Because of these emotions, many people found it hard to take in the information they were given during early appointments.
Participants said it would have helped to hear clear reassurance that T2D is manageable and not a “death sentence.” They also wanted to hear that diabetes develops for many reasons and is not a personal failure.
Another important message was support. Participants wanted to feel that they would not have to manage diabetes alone. They valued hearing that healthcare professionals would work with them and provide ongoing care and guidance.
Many participants said they did not want a lot of detailed education at the first appointment. Instead, they preferred a few simple and practical messages and a clear plan for what would happen next. For example, they suggested a follow-up appointment within about two weeks. By then, they felt they would be more ready to ask questions and learn about managing their diabetes.
Why this study matters?
This study shows that the first conversation after a diabetes diagnosis is about more than medical information. It is also about emotional support and helping people feel prepared and confident for what comes next.
Important priorities at diagnosis may include:
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- recognising and acknowledging emotional challenges
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- offering realistic hope that diabetes can be managed
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- building a partnership between the person and their healthcare team
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- planning a follow-up visit rather than trying to cover everything in one appointment
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Resources such as the NDSS Diabetes and Emotional Health practical guide [3] developed by the ACBRD can help health professionals identify and respond to emotional needs during diabetes consultations.
For people living with diabetes, these findings are a reminder that it is common to feel overwhelmed at diagnosis. It is okay to ask for reassurance, clear explanations, and a step-by-step plan for what happens next. For more support, check out the NDSS ‘Adjusting to life with diabetes [4]’ fact sheet developed by the ACBRD.
Reference:
Boakye MDS, Miyamoto S, Greenwood D. What Individuals Want to Hear at the Point of Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis [2]. Clin Diabetes. 2022;41(1):110-119.