World Health Day 2016: Why you need to maintain good mental health to fight diabetes

Zee Media Bureau/Salome Phelamei

New Delhi: This World Health Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) is focusing on diabetes as it has become one of the major concerns of public health. In fact, diabetes will be the world's seventh largest killer by 2030, unless intense and focused efforts are made by governments, communities and individuals, say experts.

The diabetes capital of the world with as many as 50 million people suffering from type-2 diabetes, India has a challenge to face. However, medical experts feel that timely detection and right management can go a long way in helping patients lead a normal life. 

Talking on how diabetic patients and their relatives can mentally tune themselves to deal with the disease, Dr Ajay Phadke, CEO & Founder of Type A Thought (www.typeathought.com) said: “Diabetes can come as a big blow to a person as it requires many changes in the lifestyle. Eating well, drinking in limits, medical compliance, check-ups and regular exercise are required to keep one healthy.

“Therefore, firstly fine-tune mental health to bring in a lifestyle change and the second challenge is to keep the motivation going because the negotiation with diabetes is life-long. Family and friends of diabetics can help them deal with these daily challenges. The best strategy is to gently motivate diabetics, help them to stay strong and have regular reminders. Moreover, relatives of diabetics also need to stay driven as they also face mental and emotional issues along with the patient, he added.”

Dr Phadke added that apart from physical well-being, mental strength needs to be maintained to have an overall positive impact.

There has been a lot of research of how therapeutic measures can enhance diabetes management.

Dr Phadke further added that difference has been noted in lifestyle change efforts of those who get some help for mental motivation compared to those who don't.

“Firstly, the patient should be allowed to vent his feelings because he would naturally feel that life is unfair to him. Secondly, outlook towards bringing in the ‘change’ needs to be strengthened from day one. Regular control checks help to avoid surprise excesses that may cause problems with lifestyle management later.”

The World Health Day is celebrated every year on 7 April, promoting awareness about different health issues. The theme for this year is 'Beat Diabetes'.