The Unspoken Emotional Toll of Diabetes

Every beep of a glucose monitor tells a story. For many living with diabetes, those numbers are not just medical readings, they’re emotional signals too. They mean plans adjusted, meals rethought, and sometimes, quiet worry. Managing diabetes is a daily act of discipline, but behind that discipline is an invisible struggle: the emotional toll of keeping balance.

Across the world, diabetes doesn’t only change how people eat or move; it reshapes how they feel. And in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, where diabetes affects millions and the emotional weight of the disease is often carried silently. Families talk about sugar levels, but rarely about fear, anxiety, or fatigue. Yet, that hidden burden shapes quality of life just as much as any number on a glucometer.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, over 589 million adults worldwide1 are living with diabetes today.  This is a number expected to reach 853 million by 20502. Behind these figures lies another truth: up to 50% of people with diabetes experience what experts call ‘diabetes distress’3; a name given to the emotional exhaustion that comes from constant monitoring, planning, and self-discipline.

A 2024 International Diabetes Federation global survey found that 77% of people4 living with diabetes have experienced anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition because of their diabetes. These emotions are not fleeting, they in fact often become part of daily life. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) states that reduced productivity at work, absenteeism, unemployment, all contribute to an estimated $147 Billion in indirect annual national costs5.

Yet, emotional well-being remains one of the least discussed aspects of diabetes care. Most patients receive treatment for glucose control but not for the burnout that accompanies it. It’s like being asked to run a marathon every day, without anyone checking how tired you feel.

In the Roche 2025 Diabetes Survey conducted across Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, results show that 2 in 3 people6 living with diabetes say the condition significantly affects their emotional well-being7. For insulin users, that number jumps to 3 in 4, who report experiencing intense mental pressure and constant self-blame when readings fluctuate8.

Nearly 58% of respondents9 said that glucose management causes persistent stress while 47% described feeling socially isolated10 due to dietary restrictions or fear of judgment. Even more concerning, one in two participants shared that they had faced some form of discrimination at work11 because of misconceptions about their condition.

In Kuwait, the story is similar. 60% of people with diabetes said the condition interferes with daily spontaneity12 with them missing out on social dinners, late-night tea, or family trips because ‘I need to check my sugar first.’ These moments seem small, but together they build an emotional wall between the person and the life they want to live.

Science shows that emotional stress doesn’t just affect mood but metabolism too. When a person is anxious or under pressure, the body releases cortisol and adrenaline, which can raise blood sugar levels13 . Over time, this creates a feedback loop: stress raises sugar levels, and high sugar levels cause more stress.

Many people also internalize guilt when their numbers are not ‘perfect.’ But perfection is a myth in diabetes care. Each person’s journey is unique as it is shaped by body chemistry, lifestyle, and circumstances. Experts suggest focusing less on ‘good’ or ‘bad’ readings and more on progress and consistency.

In Middle Eastern households, emotional expression around illness is often quiet and families tend to focus on physical symptoms such as diet, medication, exercise while the mental strain remains unspoken. But there is a silver lining. New generations are changing their approach to diabetes care.

Community health programs and patient groups across KSA and Kuwait have started encouraging open dialogue about emotional health in diabetes. Conversations around mental well-being during Ramadan especially when routines shift and self-discipline is at its peak, are creating safe spaces for shared understanding.

Support doesn’t always mean therapy or counseling. Sometimes, it starts with a friend asking, ‘How are you feeling about managing it lately?’ That simple act can lighten an invisible load.

Small actions can have a powerful effect on emotional well-being:

• Build Routine: Stable meal and testing schedules create predictability, which lowers anxiety.

• Track with Compassion: View data as information, not judgment.

• Share the Journey: Talking about fears or frustrations can normalize them.

• Move for Mind, Not Just Body: Regular walks or light exercise reduce cortisol and promote better sleep.

• Celebrate Progress: A stable week, a new habit, a positive reading; these all are milestones.

In a culture that values resilience, sharing vulnerability takes courage. But strength and openness are not opposites; they coexist.

At Roche, the understanding of health goes beyond glucose meters and lab results. Through Jasady, Roche aims to create a space where conversations about emotional and physical well-being intersect.

When we talk about diabetes, we must talk about the person too which include their family, their aspirations, their fears. Empowering people with knowledge, empathy, and science is how healthcare becomes human care.

One way of making a difference is asking the questions and building your knowledge. Some often asked questions are:

1. What is ‘diabetes distress’?

   It’s the emotional strain caused by the ongoing demands of living with diabetes like monitoring food, exercise, medication, and glucose every single day. It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s a human response to constant pressure.

2. Can stress really raise my blood sugar?

   Yes. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline make your liver release more glucose, which can lead to higher readings. This is even without a change in diet.

3. How can I manage emotional burnout with diabetes?

   Start with small adjustments such as mindfulness, better sleep, or simply sharing your experience with a loved one. Emotional health is part of diabetes care, not separate from it.

4. Is it normal to feel anxious about my glucose readings?

   Completely. Perfection isn’t possible; consistency is. It helps to track patterns, not numbers in isolation.

5. How can family members support someone with diabetes?
   Through empathy, shared meals, and gentle reminders but most importantly, by listening. Emotional support can be as powerful as medical care.

Diabetes management is a lifelong journey, one that requires compassion, not just control. It’s about progress, not perfection.

For millions in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and beyond, every day is an act of quiet strength. This is a choice to care, monitor, and move forward. The numbers on a screen may tell part of the story, but the real story lies in the courage it takes to live beyond them.

Share your experience with the Jasady community. Your story might help someone else carry the unseen weight a little lighter.

For more information on how to live with diabetes, visit here.