Sun Life Survey Reveals Hidden Financial and Mental Health Impacts of Type 2 Diabetes

In This Article:

  • One third (33%) of those living with diabetes report a 'severe' or 'significant' financial impact on their lives, with 82% unable to consistently afford the right care.

  • 67% of non-diabetics are either 'very concerned' or 'concerned' about the financial burden that would result from a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

  • 65% of diabetics report a negative impact on their mental health.

  • Yet 37% of respondents have never had blood sugar screening.

HONG KONG, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- New research by Sun Life Asia reveals the hidden cost of living with type 2 diabetes and the condition's financial and mental health impacts, highlighting an urgent need for education, prevention, and access to care.

Hidden Financial and Mental Health Impacts of Type 2 Diabetes
Hidden Financial and Mental Health Impacts of Type 2 Diabetes

Sun Life's survey, titled Healthy Habits, Healthier Futures: Preventing Diabetes in Asia, interviewed 3,647 people across Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam, about their awareness of diabetes risk factors, treatment and prevention. The survey included 600 people currently living with type 2 diabetes, providing an insight into life with the condition.

This follows an epidemic rise in diabetes cases in recent decades, with more than 540 million people living with the condition worldwide1. More than 90 million of those are in Southeast Asia where the number of adults with diabetes is projected to soar to 152 million by 2045, presenting a serious public health challenge2. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for around 90% of global cases.3

The research reveals that despite soaring case numbers, few people are actively taking steps to lower their risk of developing diabetes or learn more about the condition and for those with diabetes, the impacts are not just physical.

Hidden financial and mental health impacts of type 2 diabetes

In addition to the physical cost of diabetes, the condition has a significant financial cost, preventing many people from accessing the right healthcare. One third (33%) of those living with diabetes report a 'severe' or 'significant' financial impact on their lives, with 82% unable to consistently afford the right care.

Financial concerns about diabetes are even more prevalent than health-related concerns. 67% of non-diabetics are either 'very concerned' or 'concerned' about the financial burden that would result from a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, highlighting the need for the protection of health insurance.

The research also uncovered the hidden mental health impact of the disease, with 65% of diabetics reporting a negative impact on their mental health post-diagnosis. This is compounded by social impacts experienced at home and at work; 76% of people with diabetes report feeling judged by family and friends after being diagnosed and 72% of diabetics have faced judgment or bias at work related to their condition.

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