Most diabetics say condition has caused mental health problems

LUCINDA CAMERON

(33.6 per cent) said diabetes had got in the way of them or a family member doing things they wanted to do in the previous week.

The study also found less than a third (28.7 per cent) of Scots said they definitely felt in control of their condition.

Diabetes UK is calling for more provision of psychological support for people living with the condition in Scotland.

Claire Fleming, acting national director at Diabetes Scotland, said: “Diabetes affects more than 291,000 people in Scotland and is the fastest-growing health crisis of our time. It can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and lower limb amputations.

“This new research brings to light the isolation that can come from managing an invisible condition and how living with diabetes can be detrimental to a person’s emotional wellbeing without the right support.”