Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a life-changing moment. For men, the physical demands—like constant blood sugar checks and insulin shots—are only part of the challenge. The emotional and mental toll often goes unnoticed but is just as important.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that stops the body from making insulin. Managing it requires daily care, but many men find the mental side harder to handle.
Dr. William Haas, a family medicine doctor who treats men with T1D, explains that how a person thinks about their illness affects their motivation to manage it well. “If someone feels overwhelmed or is in denial, it becomes very hard to keep up with blood sugar monitoring and insulin doses,” he says.
Research supports this mind-body link. Dr. Cristina Del Toro Badessa, a physician experienced with T1D patients, says untreated mental health problems like depression and anxiety can lead to worse blood sugar control and more complications. On the other hand, positive mental health can help people manage diabetes better and live longer.
Mental health and chronic illness affect each other. Two men with the same blood sugar levels can have very different experiences depending on how they handle the emotional side of their diagnosis.
Experts offer advice for men living with T1D:
You don’t have to face this alone. Dr. Zishan Khan, a psychiatrist, says admitting feelings like fear or sadness is not a sign of weakness but of strength. He encourages men to find trusted people—partners, friends, or family—to talk to and ask for help when needed. “You don’t need fixing, just someone to listen,” he says.
If you lack support, ask your doctor about group therapy or peer support groups for men with chronic illnesses. These groups can provide connection and understanding that make a big difference.
Related topics:
- What is the Difference Between Type 2 and Type 1 Diabetes?
- What Can Controll Type 1 Diabetes ?
- How Are Type 1 & 2 Diabetes Similar?
