Coping strategies for people with diabetes: a path to emotional stability

People with diabetes often have to face a multitude of challenges that go beyond simply managing their medical treatment. What is the best way to deal with these challenges?

Kerstin Volkart

04 November 2025

A healthcare professional in dark blue clothing uses a blood glucose meter on a person's finger. The focus is on the hands and the meter, with the background slightly out of focus.
Coping strategies help people with diabetes to master everyday life with inner strength. (Image: Adobe Stock)

What coping strategies can be helpful in managing emotional strain and living a happy and balanced life with diabetes?

  1. Honest communication: the key to support

Open and honest communication with doctors, friends and family is crucial to easing emotional strain. By sharing what is bothering you and the challenges you are facing, you can begin to build a support structure that will help you to overcome feelings of loneliness.

  1. Educational programmes: more than just medical information

As well as providing information on physical health, diabetes education programmes also offer advice on how to deal with emotional challenges. Programmes like these can help patients to better understand and manage the psychological aspects of their illness.

  1. Support groups: stronger together

Talking to others who are going through similar experiences can be very reassuring. Support groups are a great place to go for useful insights and a sense of community.

  1. Mindfulness and reducing stress: finding inner peace

Techniques such as meditation and mindfulness can help to reduce emotional stress. Practising these techniques helps you to live in the moment and to cope better with emotional pressures.

  1. Professional advice: a path to emotional stability

If you are having trouble dealing with stressful situations, it may help to speak to a psychotherapist. A therapist can help you develop effective coping skills and generally improve your mental health.

  1. Self-care: an important aspect of managing diabetes

Self-care is not just a luxurious indulgence, but a necessary part of managing diabetes. It includes getting regular exercise, a healthy diet and enough sleep. As well as contributing to your physical health, engaging in these practices also helps to boost mental resilience.

  1. Adaptive coping strategies: Positive thinking and behaviour

Adaptive coping strategies such as positive reframing, acceptance and taking action can help to reduce stress and promote self-care. Strategies like these help you to develop a positive attitude and to think of challenges as opportunities.