One of the most challenging aspects of living with diabetes is coping with its emotional aspects. Those who do not know firsthand the intricacies of the condition may simply think diabetes can be controlled with minor changes to one’s lifestyle, diet or exercise and not be aware of the stressors or strong emotions that diabetes can have on one’s life. Additionally, the experience of living with diabetes is different for everyone, and can be influenced by factors such as gender.
Gender refers to the socially constructed beliefs, expression and identities that we have about ourselves and others. Gender can be considered along a spectrum as opposed to a binary. With this article, we will focus on individuals who identify their gender as “male” and “female.” Wherever one identifies on the gender spectrum, it is well documented that diabetes comes with a lot of emotional impact. However, depending on our gender identity, we may be more likely to experience specific challenges.
Challenges women experience with diabetes
Women tend to experience higher levels of diabetes distress, compared with men. Research indicates that women may also have a more difficult time interacting with the healthcare system, likely due to poor communication skills on behalf of their healthcare providers. It has been found that the social roles thrust upon women, such as the expectation of caregiving for family members, can also lead to poorer diabetes self-management and diabetes control.
In addition, women are more likely to experience diabulimia (the purposeful mismanagement of insulin in an effort to control weight and body shape) compared with men, which can lead to increased diabetes complications.
Challenges men experience with diabetes
In contrast to their female counterparts, men tend to be highly avoidant with regards to speaking with their healthcare providers regarding their diabetes, and troublingly, this becomes more common when blood sugar is not managed well. Research has also found that men tend to have fewer tools they use to cope with distress associated with diabetes.
Additionally, research indicates that men may not understand the impact of diabetes-related complications to the same extent that women do, which can have its own consequences. Men also tend to be more highly reliant on their partners for support regarding diabetes management.
Effective coping skills for women with diabetes
As women tend to experience challenges with healthcare providers when discussing diabetes care more frequently than men, it can benefit women to seek out a healthcare team that is supportive and acknowledges the mental health impact that living with diabetes brings.
One research study of women living with diabetes found that women who, in a safe, planned and controlled way, took flexibility with their diabetes – including brief breaks from intense, strict and regimented diabetes self-care routines – coped better than those who had overly stringent self-care routines.
As women are more likely to experience challenges like diabulimia, mental health intervention for disordered eating and trauma can also be a beneficial part of their overall diabetes treatment plan.
Effective coping skills for men with diabetes
Research indicates that for men living with diabetes, accessing social support can be beneficial. For many men, this may be in the form of spousal support; however, social support in any form can help men feel less isolated and better manage their diabetes effectively. As mentioned earlier men may be more likely to avoid healthcare providers, particularly when experiencing complications of the condition.
One complication that men may feel particularly isolated about is experiencing sexual challenges, such as erectile dysfunction. By increasing healthcare interactions and accessing supports for complications that men uniquely face in their diabetes management, they can cope more effectively and better manage their condition overall.
Coping across the gender spectrum
People of all gender identities have access to various tools and coping mechanisms to help manage diabetes as effectively as possible. First, there is strong evidence that treating mental health conditions can improve overall disease management and enhance quality of life. Additionally, anyone living with diabetes will likely cope more effectively with their condition when they access treatment using a healthcare team made up of a variety of professionals. This may include doctors, social workers, dietitians, nurses and pharmacists in order to ensure all aspects of their care are being met.
Each person’s experience with diabetes is unique, but discovering the best ways to care for yourself and meet your needs in a healthy manner will help support you on your diabetes management journey.
