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Spouses of diabetics often experience stress, anxiety and depression

Category: Diabetes

When an individual receives a positive HbA1c test for diabetes, they are not the only one affected. A new study from Purdue University found that the spouses of diabetics often experience severe distress due to the condition.

Many individuals who have diabetes end up developing depression at some point. The disease requires constant care and attention, which can take its toll on anyone. However, the news study is among the first to show that the stress that accompanies the disease can also affect a patient’s loved ones.

For the study, researchers surveyed 185 couples over the age of 50. One of the partners in each couple had diabetes. The results showed that the partner who was disease-free often felt the same level of anxiety, discomfort and depression as the diabetic.

Furthermore, the researchers found that these feelings stemmed from individual’s concerns about living with a diabetic and dealing with their needs, rather than a concern for the person with the illness.

"Responsibilities and anxieties can differ for patients with diabetes and their spouses, but each may experience stress, frustration and sadness at times related to the demands of living with this disease," said Melissa M. Franks, the chief researcher.