Skip to content

Living Well This World Diabetes Day

Diabetes and kidney disease can affect every part of a person’s life.

Caring for your overall well-being is key to living well.

Diabetes affects nearly 10% of the world’s population, yet about half of all people living with the condition are undiagnosed.1 November is Diabetes Awareness Month in the United States, with World Diabetes Day on November 14, offering an opportunity to spread awareness about this common yet life-changing disease. Diabetes, the leading cause of chronic kidney disease, not only impacts physical health but also takes a significant toll on mental well-being, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to managing the condition.

Managing diabetes and kidney disease can be complex, and both are considered 'silent' conditions. The early signs of kidney disease can be so subtle that you may lose up to 90% of kidney function before symptoms appear.2 Early detection is essential; you can take action by understanding your risk of Type 2 diabetes and consulting with your treating physician.

Living Well with Diabetes and Kidney Disease

Managing diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or both goes beyond physical symptoms. These conditions can affect all aspects of life, so it’s important to prioritize your overall well-being and living well.

  • Living well isn’t about simply managing blood sugar — it’s about taking a holistic approach to your care.
  • Living well isn’t about perfection — it’s about making small, sustainable changes that improve your overall health and well-being.
  • Living well isn’t about going it alone — it’s about relying on your support network of family, friends, healthcare providers, and colleagues for help.

How are diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and mental health related?

Managing diabetes and chronic kidney disease can be exhausting. Dealing with these conditions involves more than managing physical symptoms — the mental and emotional load of these long-term conditions can lead to anxiety, stress, or depression.

World Diabetes Day found that:3

of people with diabetes experience diabetes distress. 

of people with diabetes say that the fear of developing diabetes-related complications affects their well-being. 

of people with diabetes find it hard to remain positive in relation to their condition. 

Everyone needs support. A strong support network in addition to a care team is important for supporting both emotional and physical needs.

How Much Do You Know About Living Well with Diabetes and Diabetic Kidney Disease?

The statements provided are a generalization and do not constitute individual medical advice and they do not necessarily apply to everyone. You are advised to consult your physician before making any changes to your dietary plan or treatment-related behavior (if applicable).

Myth 1

 

Diabetics should cut out all food rich in carbohydrates, such as fruit, pasta, and sweets.
 
 
 

 

Truth

Truth

 

Balanced nutrition including carbohydrates is key. Fiber is an important nutrient for you as it reduces the absorption of sugar.
 
 

 

Back

Myth 3

 

Mental health medications won’t work because dialysis removes them.
 
 
 
 

 

Truth

Truth

 

Mental health medications can be effective on dialysis. Take your medications as prescribed and follow your doctor’s advice.
 
 

 

Back

Myth 5

 

Diabetic-friendly foods are healthier.
 
 
 
 
 

 

Truth

Truth

 

Not always! They might contain hidden sugars and excess potassium, which can be harmful for diabetics and those with kidney disease. Read food labels carefully!
 

 

Back

Myth 2

 

Diabetes and kidney disease only affect physical health.
 

 
 
 

 

Truth

Truth

 

Diabetes and kidney disease impact both physical and mental health. Seek support like counseling to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
 

 

Back

Myth 4

 

Mental health has no impact on the onset of physical illnesses like diabetes.
 
 
 
 

 

Truth

Truth

 

Mental health can lead to physical illnesses like diabetes. Managing stress and making healthy lifestyle choices helps prevent complications.
 

 

Back

Myth 6

 

You can easily tell if someone is struggling with mental health.
 
 
 
 

 

Truth

Truth

 

False. Mental health issues are not always visible. Look beyond the surface and be aware of changes in behavior.
 
 

 

Back

Living Well at Fresenius Medical Care

Diabetes affects both physical and mental well-being — not only for those diagnosed but also for their loved ones. Hear from Fresenius Medical Care employees who have experienced chronic kidney disease and diabetes in their own lives. Their personal stories remind us about the importance of taking proactive steps to live well while managing chronic conditions.

Diabetes and chronic kidney disease touch lives in many ways.

Ann-Luise lives with Type 1 diabetes. Learning how to manage her condition required making changes in her diet and lifestyle, so she always makes time to de-stress by taking relaxing walks with family.

Remember that small steps are progress. Adapting to my diagnosis required significant changes in my daily life and routine.

Ann-Luise Rauser
Dialysis Social Worker

Alberto was diagnosed with kidney disease and diabetes at a young age. He then did dialysis treatments before receiving a kidney transplant. Today, he shares his story with other patients because for him, education was key.

Not knowing anything about diabetes and how it affects my lifestyle in the long run, it took a little bit of adjusting. I adjusted my foods. I adjusted my daily living. I learned, and I took it day by day and just lived as normal a lifestyle as I could. Get the education I tell patients. Educate yourself on your body, because we're all different.” – Alberto Lopez Sandoval, Patient Consultant

 

Walter cares for his mother-in-law with kidney failure and his father-in-law with diabetes. Although juggling work, his personal life, and caregiving can be difficult, Walter finds that spending quality time with loved ones is rewarding.

It's challenging taking care of family members who are suffering, but it’s also a privilege to support them. It's not always easy, but the small successes or victories that you go through are rewarding.

Walter Scott
Automated Line Technician

Seven is a caregiver for her father who has diabetes. She supports his daily care and helps him keep up with his diet, treatments, medicines, and appointments. To help ease the stress of caregiving, she relies on her friends to keep her motivated.

I feel supported when talking with my friends and my colleagues, which makes me feel motivated and makes me keep going. – Seven Chen, HR Manager

 

Whether you’re managing diabetes, diabetic kidney disease, caring for a loved one, or simply learning more, it’s important to look at the big picture. Living well is a continuous journey of caring for your whole health — one step at a time.

Related content

Raymart Pecolera had been a dialysis nurse for three years when his kidneys suddenly failed due to kidney hypoplasia.

Fresenius Medical Care has numerous positions for those interested in joining Jasmine Defreese in improving the lives of kidney patients worldwide.

1 International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas 2021 [Internet]. Available from: diabetesatlas.org/atlas/tenth-edition/
2 Kidney Health Australia. What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)? What do kidneys do? [Internet]. Available from: assets.kidney.org.au/resources/KHA-Factsheet-What-is-CKD-2023.pdf
3 World Diabetes Day [Internet]. Available from: worlddiabetesday.org