Diabetes charity backs Stress Awareness Month

Diabetes UK is raising awareness of a special anti-stress tool on its website.

The move is timed to coincide with the approach of April, which has been designated Stress Awareness Month.

The charity says that having to manage a condition such as diabetes on top of dealing with the pandemic and lockdown, can add a great deal of stress and anxiety.

Diabetes UK South West Regional Head Phaedra Perry said: "Living with diabetes through this pandemic – where people with the condition are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill if they develop coronavirus – has been, for many, overwhelming. 

"Although stress doesn’t cause diabetes, it can affect your blood sugar levels and how you look after your condition. 

"Thankfully, though, there are things you can do to make it easier to cope, and Diabetes UK has plenty of resources which can help. 

"If you want support on how to change the way you react so things feel better, try the Stress Manager tool on Diabetes UK’s online Learning Zone. You’ll also get a warm welcome and support from others with diabetes on our online support forum. 

"Both the Stress Manager tool and the forum can be found at the Diabetes UK website - diabetes.org.uk."

Ms Perry added: "If you’d prefer to talk to someone, you can chat to one of our trained advisors. They have counselling skills and can be contacted via our helpline on 0345 123 2399 Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, or by emailing [email protected]. 

"It doesn’t matter what causes you stress, it is getting support to manage it that’s important. So please take that first step during Stress Awareness Month if you feel you need to."