Handling Type 2 Diabetes: The Effects of Coping Strategies on Mental Health and Treatment

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a long-term health condition that many people deal with daily. It's common for those with T2D to experience poor mental wellbeing and struggle with sticking to their treatments, especially when they're feeling stressed. Coping mechanisms can help manage this stress, but not all strategies are equally helpful. A recent study used a scientific approach to figure out which coping strategies are most common and effective. Researchers conducted a series of pilot studies with 570 participants to develop a list of coping strategies. They then tested this list with 503 people who have T2D, recruited through an online platform. Participants were asked about their coping strategies, mental wellbeing (like stress, anxiety, and depression), and how well they stuck to their treatments (adherence, self-efficacy, and A1C levels). The study found that all seven coping strategies (humor, self-blame, avoidance, seeking support, positive thinking, religion/spirituality, and using resources) were distinct and helped with treatment engagement. However, fewer strategies were linked to improved mental wellbeing. After considering other factors, the study found that self-blame, avoidance, and positive thinking were the most effective strategies for both mental wellbeing and treatment engagement. This highlights the importance of understanding and fostering these coping strategies for people with T2D.