How Diabetes Affects People and Their Families
June 22, 2026
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Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing chronic diseases worldwide, affecting millions of individuals and families every day. While much attention is often focused on blood glucose management and preventing complications, the impact of diabetes extends far beyond physical health. The condition can affect emotional well-being, family relationships, finances, work productivity, and overall quality of life (International Diabetes Federation, 2024a; Young-Hyman et al., 2016).
In South Africa, diabetes remains a significant public health concern. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), approximately 2.3 million South African adults aged 20–79 years are living with diabetes, while an estimated 70% remain undiagnosed (International Diabetes Federation, 2025). As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise, more families are becoming directly involved in supporting loved ones and managing the challenges associated with the condition.
Living with diabetes requires continuous self-management. Individuals must regularly monitor their blood glucose levels, make informed dietary choices, remain physically active, attend healthcare appointments, and often take medication or insulin.
Unlike many other chronic conditions, diabetes management is a constant responsibility. Blood glucose levels can be influenced by meals, physical activity, illness, stress, sleep patterns, and medication adherence. This ongoing vigilance can be physically and emotionally exhausting (International Diabetes Federation, 2025; Young-Hyman et al., 2016).
Research conducted by the IDF found that 77% of people living with diabetes reported experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges related to their condition, while nearly 80% reported experiencing diabetes burnout at some point in their lives (International Diabetes Federation, 2024a).
Diabetes affects far more than physical health. Many individuals experience significant emotional distress associated with managing a lifelong condition. Common concerns include fear of complications, financial pressures, social stigma, and the challenge of maintaining strict treatment routines (International Diabetes Federation, 2025; Young-Hyman et al., 2016).
One of the most common concerns among people living with diabetes is the possibility of developing long-term complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision loss. Concerns about future complications are among the leading causes of diabetes-related stress and anxiety (International Diabetes Federation, 2024a; Young-Hyman et al., 2016).
Mental health and diabetes are closely interconnected. Research has shown that individuals experiencing depression or anxiety may find it more difficult to adhere to treatment plans, monitor blood glucose effectively, and maintain healthy lifestyle behaviours, which can negatively affect diabetes outcomes (Young-Hyman et al., 2016).
Although diabetes is diagnosed in one individual, its effects often extend throughout the household. Researchers frequently describe diabetes as a “family disease” because family members play a crucial role in supporting daily diabetes management and frequently experience the burden of the condition alongside the patient (Molla et al., 2023; Kovacs Burns et al., 2013).
Family members often assist with:
Research suggests that family involvement can significantly influence diabetes self-management and treatment adherence, ultimately improving health outcomes (Molla et al., 2023).
The demands of diabetes management can place emotional strain on family relationships. Parents of children living with diabetes often experience heightened anxiety, particularly regarding hypoglycaemic episodes and blood glucose fluctuations. Spouses and caregivers may worry about future complications, healthcare costs, and the long-term well-being of their loved ones (Jensen et al., 2021).
The international DAWN2â„¢ study found that nearly one in four family members reported that diabetes had a very large or extremely large impact on their quality of life (Kovacs Burns et al., 2013).
Family members commonly report:
These challenges highlight the importance of including family members in diabetes education and support programmes (Kovacs Burns et al., 2013; Molla et al., 2023).
Diabetes can create substantial financial pressures for individuals and families. Ongoing expenses often include medications, insulin, blood glucose monitoring supplies, Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems, healthcare consultations, laboratory testing, and specialised nutritional support.
In addition to direct healthcare costs, diabetes may contribute to indirect costs such as lost productivity, absenteeism from work, and caregiving responsibilities (Molla et al., 2023).
For many South African households, the costs associated with diabetes management and complications can create substantial economic strain, particularly in settings where access to healthcare resources is limited and out-of-pocket healthcare expenses are high (Bertram et al., 2018; International Diabetes Federation, 2025).
Despite the challenges associated with diabetes, strong family support can significantly improve health outcomes. Research demonstrates that individuals with supportive family environments are more likely to adhere to treatment plans, engage in healthy lifestyle behaviours, attend medical appointments, and achieve improved glycaemic control (Molla et al., 2023; Kovacs Burns et al., 2013).
Supportive family members can also help reduce feelings of isolation, improve emotional well-being, and encourage positive coping strategies, making long-term diabetes management more sustainable and less overwhelming (International Diabetes Federation, 2025; Young-Hyman et al., 2016).
Healthcare providers increasingly recognise the importance of involving family members in diabetes education and care planning to improve both patient outcomes and family well-being (Molla et al., 2023; Kovacs Burns et al., 2013).
Diabetes affects far more than blood glucose levels. It influences physical health, mental well-being, family relationships, daily routines, and financial stability. The condition often impacts entire households, requiring ongoing support, education, and collaboration between patients, families, and healthcare providers.
As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise in South Africa and globally, greater awareness of its broader effects is essential. By recognising the emotional, social, and financial challenges associated with diabetes, families and healthcare professionals can work together to improve quality of life and achieve better health outcomes for everyone affected by the condition.
Bertram, M.Y., Jaswal, A.V.S., Van Wyk, V.P., Levitt, N.S. and Hofman, K.J. (2013) ‘The non-fatal disease burden caused by type 2 diabetes in South Africa, 2009’, Global Health Action, 6(1), 19244.
International Diabetes Federation (2024a) The Hidden Burden of Diabetes: Mental Health and Well-being. Brussels: International Diabetes Federation. Available at: https://idf.org/news/diabetes-hidden-burden/(Accessed: 20 June 2026).
International Diabetes Federation (2025) Diabetes and Mental Health. Brussels: International Diabetes Federation. Available at: https://idf.org/about-diabetes/diabetes-complications/diabetes-and-mental-health/(Accessed: 20 June 2026).
International Diabetes Federation (2025) South Africa Diabetes Trends & Statistics. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 11th edn. Brussels: International Diabetes Federation. Available at: https://diabetesatlas.org/data-by-location/country/south-africa/ (Accessed: 22 June 2026).
Jensen, M.V., Broadley, M.M., Speight, J., Scope, A., Preston, L., Heller, S.R., de Galan, B.E., Pouwer, F. and Hendrieckx, C. (2021) ‘The impact of hypoglycaemia on the quality of life of family members of adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes: A qualitative systematic review’, Diabetic Medicine, 38(10), e14666.
Kovacs Burns, K., Nicolucci, A., Holt, R.I.G., Willaing, I., Hermanns, N., Kalra, S., Wens, J., Pouwer, F., Skovlund, S.E. and Peyrot, M. (2013) ‘Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs second study (DAWN2â„¢): Cross-national benchmarking indicators for family members living with people with diabetes’, Diabetic Medicine, 30(7), pp. 778-788.
Molla, I.B., Berhie, M.A., Debele, K.A., Germossa, G.N. and Hailu, F.B. (2023) ‘Persons with diabetes’ perceptions of family burden and associated factors’, Journal of Diabetes Research, 2023, Article ID 8015721.
Young-Hyman, D., de Groot, M., Hill-Briggs, F., Gonzalez, J.S., Hood, K. and Peyrot, M. (2016) ‘Psychosocial care for people with diabetes: A position statement of the American Diabetes Association’, Diabetes Care, 39(12), pp. 2126-2140.
