A service evaluation to assess the dietary management of hospitalised patients with diabetes receiving enteral nutrition
Published Date: 18th April 2021
Publication Authors: Gallagher CG, Westall S, Langan E, Narayanan RP, McNulty S, Bujawansa S, Mitchell L, Archer N, Hardy KJ
Background
There has been a big drive from the UK government and Diabetes UK to provide improved psychological care for patients with diabetes. In addition to the emotional burden of having diabetes, people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes have higher levels of anxiety and depression than the general population. We measured the prevalence of anxiety, depression and diabetes-distress using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS) and Problem Areas In Diabetes (PAID) questionnaire, respectively. In HADS, scores ≥15 indicate significant levels of anxiety and depression. In PAID, scores of ≥40 indicate emotional burnout.
Methods
People with diabetes attending a validated, local structured education programme were invited to complete the HADS and PAID questionnaires. Data from the questionnaires were inputted into a database for analysis.
Results
Clinically significant anxiety (HADS-A) was prevalent in 4% of patients with type 1 and 5.9% of patients with type 2 diabetes. Clinically significant depression (HADS-D) was prevalent in 2% of patients with type 1 and 2.4% of patients with type 2 diabetes. High levels (score ≥40) of diabetes-distress were present in 31% (type 1) and 18.3% (type 2) of patients, respectively.
Discussion
linically relevant levels of diabetes-distress were present at a disproportionately higher prevalence in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in comparison to levels of anxiety and depression. Greater attention may be needed towards identifying and managing diabetes-specific as well as general mental health issues in people with diabetes. In our hospital, we have implemented dedicated psychology input for patients with diabetes.
Gallagher, C; Westall, SJ; Langan, E; Narayanan, RP; McNulty, S; Bujuwansa, S; Mitchell, L; Archer, N; Hardy, K et al. (2021). The prevalence of anxiety, depression and diabetes-related distress among people with diabetes attending a validated, local structured education programme. Diabetic Medicine. 38 (S1), 89-90