Previous research studies have suggested that diabetes and emotional unease together can be associated with a higher risk for functional disability than just either diabetes or emotional unease alone. The aim of this study is to:
- Identify the role of emotional health in the development of disability in diabetes
- Identify possible links between emotional health, social support, and clinical/behavioural factors and how they are associated with functional disability
- Investigate the association between diabetes-specific care and emotional distress.
With currently available treatments, diabetes patients are still running into problems and health complications such as neuropathy or blood sugar incidents. We are hoping that with better understanding of the role well-being plays in diabetes disability, the prescribed treatment regimens will not only focus on aspects like insulin intake, but also manage emotional symptoms so that patients can sustain active, productive, and fulfilling lives.
All participants in this study are randomly selected diabetes patients from Quebec, aged 18 to 80 years. Both English and French speaking people are interviewed. Since we are looking for changes in emotional health status and how they may affect diabetes-related disability, we are following up with participants every 12 months.
The data is collected by a private independent research company titled Bureau d'Interviewers Professionnels (BIP).
All of the data collected is kept in confidentiality, and the information obtained from the Régie d'Assurance Maladie (RAMQ) is given to us in full anonymity.