Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Benefiting Diabetes Patients with Depression
A study shows that patients who received online cognitive behavioral therapy tailored for patients with diabetes reported improvements in depression and anxiety, which resulted in better diabetes management.
There are 422 million people with diabetes worldwide. In the United States, there are 34.2 million people, or 10.5% of the U.S. population, with diabetes. Almost two million (1.8 million) Australians, 2.4 million Canadians, and more than 4.9 million people in the United Kingdom live with diabetes.
According to the Mayo Clinic, diabetes can cause complications and health problems that may worsen symptoms of depression. If you have diabetes — either type 1 or type 2 — you have an increased risk of developing depression. And if you're depressed, you may have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Those with depression often have poor lifestyle decisions. Unhealthy eating, less exercise, smoking, and weight gain are risk factors for diabetes.
Quality of Life Concerns with Diabetes
Both diabetes and depression reduce the quality of life for an individual, but together they have a more negative impact on overall health and well-being. Complications of diabetes lead to a higher risk of needing long-term health care. Combined with depression, it combination makes aging more difficult.
Having diabetes can result in nerve damage and ongoing pain, vision loss, kidney dysfunction, memory changes, urinary incontinence, or slow-healing wounds. It increases the risk of falls, and falls are a leading reason for emergency room visits and long-term health care.
A research study commissioned by the British company ieso reported that integrated mental health care in diabetes patients can improve mental health outcomes, patient engagement with self-management of diabetes, diabetes distress, and quality of life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Alleviates Depression
Results of the study were presented at the 2022 American Diabetes Association (ADA) Annual Conference. Patients who received ieso's online cognitive behavioral therapy, tailored for patients with Type 2 diabetes, reported improvements in depression and anxiety, which resulted in better diabetes management.
Patients also reported reduced distress levels about their diabetes, increased engagement in managing their condition, and improved quality of life.
Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. CBT helps an individual unlearn undesired reactions and replace them with healthy reactions. CBT therapy online is known for providing many long-term, positive results.
Comorbid Mental Health Problems Significant with Diabetics
About 25% of patients with diabetes have comorbid depression, and 40% have comorbid anxiety. Comorbid mental health problems in patients with diabetes are associated with poorer quality of life, poorer diabetes management, and even decreased lifespan.
It is estimated that comorbid physical and mental health conditions increase physical health care costs by 45% to 75% and that tailored interventions are associated with substantial savings in health care costs.
Feelings of being low in mood or worry can have a significant impact on a patient's ability to manage their diabetes. We've now shown that addressing these feelings with tailored online therapy can improve a patient's physical and emotional well-being.
Andy Blackwell, Chief Science and Strategy Officer at ieso
Diabetes-specific online cognitive behavioral therapy is shown to improve outcomes in Type 2 diabetics.
These results have much wider implications for the role of digital CBT therapy, mental health and its impact on clinical outcomes across a variety of different healthcare conditions. New online tools are needed to improve patient access to quality mental health care, which can significantly impact clinical outcomes and associated costs in chronic diseases such as diabetes.
Andy Richards, Chairmen at ieso
Strokes, Dementia, and Diabetes
Diabetes is a significant health concern. Diabetes makes it more likely that plaque develops in blood vessels, leading to a higher risk of strokes and dementia. All of these health problems get more problematic as a person gets older.
According to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI), adults with diabetes face a significantly higher risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, the leading cause of Long-Term Care Insurance claims.
Jesse Slome, the executive director of the AALCTI, says the number of people with diabetes is considerable, but another 79 million have pre-diabetes
Obesity increases the risk of diabetes, and as Americans become heavier, more are developing diabetes and thus will be at greater risk of needing costly long-term care.
Jesse Slome
An estimated 18% of patients in long-term health care facilities have diabetes, and the cost of care is higher for those with complications and mobility and cognitive issues associated with diabetes.
Long-Term Health Care Costs Higher for Diabetics with Complications
Long-term health care costs are skyrocketing worldwide. In the United States, the average cost of a nursing home is over $100,000 a year, according to the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator.
In-home care, adult day care centers, and assisted living facilities cost less, but those costs are also rising sharply due to increased demand for care, inflation, and higher labor costs. Most long-term health care is delivered outside of a nursing home, but the financial impact is still considerable.
Often untrained and unprepared family members, typically a daughter or daughter-in-law, become caregivers. These family caregivers attempt to juggle their careers and families with their role as a caregiver. The outcome for both the care recipient and the caregiver is not usually good as the health and well-being of both decreases.
LTC Costs Not Covered by Health Insurance or Medicare
Traditional health insurance and Medicare in the U.S. will not pay for most long-term health care costs. Medicaid will pay for long-term health care, usually in a Medicaid nursing home, but the care recipient must have little or no income and assets to qualify for the benefits.
Access to quality care options, especially in someone's home, is more desirable for most care recipients and families. Long-Term Care Insurance will pay for these options, but you must have coverage in place before declining health.
Those with diabetes can get Long-Term Care Insurance, but it must be in control with no complications. Every insurance company has its own underwriting rules concerning diabetes. Most people obtain coverage in their 50s before these health problems make it more difficult or costly to get a policy, or in some cases, impossible.
Continued advances in diabetes treatment, including addressing comorbidities like depression, will benefit the quality of life for these people. Being proactive with your health can help a person avoid developing diabetes in the first place. For those already with the disease, better manage it with fewer complications.
About the Author
Linda is a former journalist who now enjoys writing about topics she is interested in so she “can keep her mind active and engaged”.
Linda Maxwell
Contributor since December 11th, 2017
Editor's Note
As we get older, our health declines. Our bodies change, and we experience mobility problems and even memory issues. Planning for the future costs and burdens of declining health and aging should start when you still have reasonably good health.
Every insurance company has its own underwriting criteria. When reviewing Long-Term Care Insurance options, be sure your insurance agent understands underwriting and works with the top companies. Usually, working with a Long-Term Care Insurance specialist is the best way to find the right coverage at the right price.
Being prepared for future long-term health care will give you and your family peace of mind as you get older. For many people, affordable Long-Term Care Insurance is the solution giving you access to your choice of quality care options, including care in your home.
An LTC policy safeguards income and assets and gives your loved ones the time to be family instead of your caregiver. There are consequences when you lack a plan for long-term health care. Traditional health insurance, including Medicare and supplements, will not pay for most long-term care expenses. Medicaid is only the solution when you have little or no income and assets.
Most people obtain Long-Term Care Insurance coverage in their 50s. Delaying increases the cost of the insurance and increases the risk of being ineligible to even get coverage at all.
Seek Professional Help Planning for Long-Term Care
Experts recommend seeking the help of a qualified and experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you find the right coverage. A specialist will match your age, health, and family history with the right coverage at the right price.
Long-term care is a very specialized area, and few insurance agents and financial advisors have the expertise. Find a specialist who represents the top companies as premiums can vary over 100% between insurance companies. Leading specialists will often have over 500 clients with Long-Term Care Insurance.
A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.
Planning Tools and Resources Available on LTC NEWS
Planning for the future is never easy, but long-term health care planning can be very complicated and comes with many emotions. Getting the right tools and resources will make the process much easier.
One of the goals is to reduce the stress and anxiety usually placed on your family at the time of crisis. LTC NEWS can be beneficial in providing you with important information for you to consider.
LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:
The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future cost of long-term health care services where you live. Plus, each state has vital state-specific information you should know - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News
The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding read to help you get a good overview of the topic area.
Compare the major insurance companies that offer Long-Term Care Insurance products here - Top Insurers for Long-Term Care Insurance | LTC News.
A detailed tax guide that includes available tax incentives can be found by reviewing the Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide.
You might have questions about long-term health care planning and LTC NEWS answers many of the most asked questions here - Frequently Asked Questions | LTC News.
Find all the resources on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.
Need Help Now for Mom or Dad?
If your family is already in crisis and you need to find help for mom or dad, LTC NEWS can help. We have put together several comprehensive guides to help you in your process.
Start by reading our four guides -
If your loved one is lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting on using available Long-Term Care Insurance benefits is not a wise idea.
Get Assistance in Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim
Many insurance companies have issued Long-Term Care Insurance policies over the years. Filing a claim can sometimes be complicated unless you know what to do or get expert help and assistance.
Don't allow the claim process to stop you from using the benefits available in an LTC policy. Quality care obtained early will help provide a better quality of life and reduce the risk of a deep decline and facility care.
If you need help in starting the process of a Long-Term Care Insurance claim, LTC NEWS can help. LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with a Long-Term Care Insurance policy. We have teamed up with Amada Senior Care, who will do all the work - free with no obligation.
Get help finding quality caregivers or long-term care facilities and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
Advantages of Reverse Mortgages
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance. You might be eligible at younger ages as well.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, and even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. Mike Banner, LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
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