5.1 Describe how different individuals may experience living with diabetes

This guide will help you answer 5.1 Describe how different individuals may experience living with diabetes.

Living with diabetes can be very different for each person. This is because their type of diabetes, age, background, lifestyle, health conditions and personal circumstances all play a part. Some people may feel well controlled and confident with their management. Others may feel overwhelmed or worried. Diabetes affects more than just physical health. It can influence emotions, relationships, work and day-to-day life.

There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 is when the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. This means the body produces little or no insulin. People with Type 1 need insulin injections or an insulin pump for life. Type 2 happens when the body cannot make enough insulin or the insulin it makes does not work well. It can be managed through healthy eating, physical activity, tablets or sometimes insulin injections.

Each person’s experience will be shaped by many factors. This can include how soon they were diagnosed, their knowledge about the condition, how much support they have, and whether they experience complications. Below we look at different ways people may experience living with diabetes.

Physical Health Effects

For some people the main effect is on their physical health. The impact can vary between mild and severe depending on blood sugar control and how well treatment is followed.

• Type 1 usually causes fast onset of symptoms such as tiredness, weight loss, frequent urination and extreme thirst. Living with this type often means regular blood sugar tests and daily insulin.
• Type 2 may have slower onset. Some people may not notice symptoms for years. For them, making changes to food and activity can help manage the condition.
• Both types can lead to complications such as nerve damage, kidney damage, sight problems, heart disease and poor wound healing if blood sugar stays too high for too long.

Physical effects can influence daily routines. A person may need to carry glucose tablets or snacks in case of low blood sugar. They might also have to plan meals and medication times carefully.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Diabetes can affect mood and mental health. Some people feel anxious about managing their blood sugar or about long-term complications. In some cases, this can lead to depression.

• People with Type 1 may feel pressure from the constant need to monitor and adjust insulin.
• Some with Type 2 may feel guilt or shame if they believe their condition is linked to their lifestyle, even though there are many risk factors beyond personal control.
• Fear of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) can cause people to limit activities that they enjoy.
• Adolescents may feel frustrated at restrictions or having to explain their condition to friends.

It is common for people to go through periods where they feel tired of managing their diabetes. This is sometimes called “diabetes burnout”.

Social Life and Relationships

Social interactions can feel different for someone living with diabetes. Planning around the condition may be necessary.

• Meal times in social settings may require explaining why certain foods are chosen or avoided.
• A night out might involve managing alcohol intake and checking blood sugar more often.
• Some worry about injecting insulin in public or testing blood in front of others.
• Supportive friends and family can help a person feel more confident in managing these situations.

In relationships, a partner may learn to identify signs of low blood sugar and offer practical help. In some cases, people can feel that others are overprotective or do not understand the condition.

Work and Education

Experiences in the workplace or at school can be different for each person.

• Some workplaces are supportive, offering flexibility for blood sugar checks and breaks for snacks.
• Others may have a lack of awareness, which can result in misunderstanding the needs of someone with diabetes.
• Physical jobs may pose greater challenges if blood sugar fluctuates during shifts.
• At school, younger people may need trained staff nearby to help manage insulin or low blood sugar episodes.
• Exam stress can impact blood glucose, and teachers may need to be aware of a student’s condition.

Workplaces and schools have a duty under equality legislation to make reasonable adjustments. These adjustments can help people manage their diabetes without disadvantage.

Managing Daily Routines

Daily life often involves planning and problem-solving.

• Type 1 requires counting carbohydrates in meals to calculate insulin doses.
• People with Type 2 might focus on portion sizes, balanced meals and regular activity.
• Both may set reminders to check blood sugar or take medication.
• Travel can require extra preparation, such as packing medication, carrying healthy snacks, and understanding how time zones affect medication schedules.

Some people are highly organised and find these routines become second nature. Others may struggle to adapt, especially after diagnosis.

Cultural and Dietary Influences

Diet plays a large role in managing diabetes. Cultural background and traditions influence food choices and attitudes toward medical care.

• In some cultures, meals are high in carbohydrates, making blood sugar control more challenging.
• Fasting during religious periods such as Ramadan can affect medication schedules and blood sugar levels.
• Language barriers can affect understanding about treatment plans and educational resources.
• Cultural beliefs may influence whether a person seeks medical advice or prefers herbal remedies.

Support that respects cultural beliefs can help people follow their treatment plans more effectively.

Age and Stage of Life

Age changes how a person experiences living with diabetes.

• Children with Type 1 often rely on parents or carers for daily management. They may struggle with wanting independence while still needing support.
• Teenagers may rebel against treatment routines or feel self-conscious.
• Adults may need to balance diabetes with career and family demands.
• Older adults with diabetes may face extra challenges if they have other health conditions or reduced mobility.

At different life stages, priorities and challenges change. A young person may focus on fitting in with friends, while an older person may focus on avoiding complications.

Financial Impact

Diabetes can lead to extra costs. This might include paying for healthy food, travel to medical appointments, or specialist equipment.

In the UK, prescriptions for diabetes medication and supplies such as blood testing strips are usually free. Even so, indirect costs like extra heating for cold-related circulation problems or gym memberships for physical activity can affect budgets.

Those on low income may find it harder to buy fresh foods regularly or afford transport to appointments.

Technology and Self-care Tools

Technology has improved how some people manage diabetes.

• Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) provide real-time blood sugar readings.
• Insulin pumps can help with more accurate insulin delivery.
• Smartphone apps can track blood sugar trends and food intake.

Not everyone wants or can access these devices. Some may prefer traditional testing methods. People’s experiences will vary depending on access, ability to use devices, and personal comfort with technology.

Support from Health and Social Care Services

Health and social care services play a big role in people’s experiences.

• Diabetes specialist nurses can provide training and advice.
• Dietitians can help plan enjoyable meals that still meet health needs.
• Counsellors can help with the emotional side of living with diabetes.
• Support groups offer a way to share experiences and helpful tips with others in similar situations.

The quality of these services and how easy they are to access can make a big difference in how well a person feels supported.

Dealing with Complications

Some individuals live with diabetes alongside complications such as retinopathy (eye damage), neuropathy (nerve damage) or kidney problems. This can affect independence, mobility and quality of life.

A person with vision loss may need help with reading medication labels. Someone with foot problems may have to wear special shoes and attend regular check-ups.

Living with complications can add stress and require further adjustments, both emotionally and physically.

The Role of Family and Carers

Family and carers often help with managing diabetes, especially for children, older adults, or those with additional health needs.

Carers may help with:

• Preparing suitable meals
• Reminding about medication
• Keeping records of blood sugar levels
• Spotting early signs of high or low blood sugar

The experience for the person with diabetes may be positive if the support is respectful and empowering. If not, they may feel a loss of independence.

Personal Attitudes and Motivation

Each person’s mindset plays a role in their diabetes management.

• Some approach it with a focus on problem-solving and seeing positive health changes.
• Others may feel discouraged or resigned, especially if they face frequent complications.
• Past experiences with healthcare professionals can shape attitudes. Friendly and respectful care often builds trust and improves confidence in self-management.

Long-term motivation can be hard to keep without encouragement and achievable goals.

Final Thoughts

Every individual’s experience of living with diabetes is shaped by a unique mix of physical, emotional, social and practical factors. No two experiences are the same. A young child with Type 1, an adult in work managing Type 2 through diet, and an older person with long-term complications will all have very different perspectives and needs.

Support that considers the person’s background, preferences and circumstances can make a huge difference. By listening to how each individual feels and what they need, health and social care workers can help them live well with diabetes despite the challenges it may bring.