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Living with diabetes can take a toll on your mental wellbeing1

You’re not alone – many others also feel the stress of managing their chronic condition can affect their mental health.2 With the right tools and information, you can gain a sense of control.

Understanding diabetes distress

While diabetes distress – the emotional burden of managing the chronic condition1 – is a normal part of the diabetes experience, increased stress can lead to burnout and a decline in condition management.1

What does “diabetes distress” look like?1

  • Emotional distress – Feeling overwhelmed by having diabetes

  • Regimen distress – Feeling stressed about the amount of work involved in proper diabetes management

  • Healthcare provider distress – Feeling like you are disappointing your healthcare providers if you’re not taking the best care of yourself

  • Social support distress — Feeling unsupported or alone in managing your chronic condition

Strategies to manage diabetes distress

  • Listen to Your Feelings: We all have moments of stress and anxiety, but adding diabetes to the mix can be overwhelming. Experiencing these feelings for more than a week or two could be a sign you need help to feel better.3

  • Grab Some “Me” Time: Take a break from what you’re doing and choose something that helps you recharge, like going outside, reading a book or watching your favourite show.4

  • Monitor Your Levels: Anxiety or stress can feel like low glucose levels and vice versa, which can make management of both a challenge.4 Regularly checking your glucose levels with your FreeStyle Libre system(s) can help you stay in target range, feel better and reclaim a sense of control.*†

  • Get Active: Choose your favourite activity – even a short walk can have a calming effect that lasts hours.4

  • Seek Support: Talk with your healthcare team about your feelings so they can help problem solve and refer you to another care provider if needed. Speaking with others living with diabetes can also be a key support tool and Diabetes Canada has virtual support groups available.5

Our commitment to you

We want to help you better manage the mental and emotional impacts of diabetes.

Information and Support

We’re working with diabetes experts to raise awareness of the impact diabetes can have on your mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Knowledge is Power

Our FreeStyle Libre systems remove the mystery from your diabetes management by letting you conveniently check your glucose,‡ giving you the information to better manage your condition and regain a sense of control.*

The Power of Positive Motivation for Diabetes Management

This year’s report surveyed Canadians living with type 2 diabetes and informed recommendations from healthcare experts.

Learn More About The FreeStyle Libre Report

Additional Resources

For more information and support on diabetes and mental wellbeing, consider the following resources:

Find out if you have coverage for the FreeStyle Libre 2

We are working with provincial governments to ensure coverage for all. Learn more about what is covered in your province.

FreeStyle Libre 2

Sensor is water-resistant in up to 1 metre (3 feet) of water. Do not immerse longer than 30 minutes. Not to be used above 10,000 feet.

*For FreeStyle Libre, a finger prick test using a blood glucose meter is required during times of rapidly changing glucose levels when interstitial fluid glucose levels may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels or if hypoglycaemia or impending hypoglycaemia is reported by the system or when symptoms do not match the system readings.

† For FreeStyle Libre 2, finger pricks are required if your glucose readings and alarms do not match symptoms or expectations.

‡ The FreeStyle Libre 2 app and the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader have similar but not identical features. Finger pricks are required if glucose readings and alarms do not match symptoms or expectations. The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor communicates with the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader that started it or the FreeStyle Libre 2 app that started it. The FreeStyle Libre 2 app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check the Compatibility Guide (PDF 69 KB) for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of FreeStyle Libre 2 may require registration with LibreView.

References:

  1. Bokma, Anne, Diabetes Canada. ”Distressed by Diabetes.” Accessed Mar. 13, 2023. https://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes/stories/distressed-by-diabetes-.
  2. Data on file, Abbott Diabetes Care, Inc. 2022.
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “10 Tips for Coping with Diabetes Distress.” Accessed Mar. 13, 2023.  https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/diabetes-distress/ten-tips-coping-diabetes-distress.html.
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Diabetes and Mental Health.” Accessed Mar. 13, 2023.  https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/mental-health.html.
  5. Diabetes Canada, “Local Programs & Events.” (2023): Accessed Mar. 13, 2023. https://www.diabetes.ca/get-involved/local-programs---events?Region=&EventType=&SearchText=&Sort=&Page=1.  

The FreeStyle Libre 2 flash glucose monitoring system is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in people aged 4 years and older with diabetes mellitus. Always read and follow the label/insert.
 
The FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in adults aged 18 years and older with diabetes mellitus. Always read and follow the label/insert.

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