Diabetes and Psychological Distress among Patients with Diabetes in Nairobi County

Diabetes is a growing course of concern in society today that presents a clinical challenge following diagnosis. In this regard, newly diagnosed patients report experiencing depression and anxiety related symptoms warranting the need for psychological care. Unfortunately, it‟s an aspect in diabetes care that is often ignored despite highly affecting patient care and outcomes. An analysis was done to investigate the relationship between diagnosis of diabetes and anxiety, the relationship between diagnosis of diabetes and depression as well as the implication of counseling on psychological distress in the aftermath of a diabetes diagnosis. This was in an effort to determine whether newly diagnosed patients of diabetes experience psychological distress targeting individuals in Nairobi County as well as make recommendations in better psychological care among diabetic populations. Study findings showed 73 % of the patients had psychological distress where both anxiety and depressive symptoms were found prevalent in diabetes care. Majority of the patients found counseling instrumental in addressing psychological distress where they reported it being impactful and beneficial for their overall well-being. Key recommendations include increasing psychoeducative sessions to patients with diabetes and adoption of a multi-disciplinary team that addresses psychological distress in patients with diabetes.