Mental health in prediabetes. Why is it important?
Medically reviewed by Dr Sultan Linjawi, Endocrinologist & Diabetes Specialist — December 2025
Being told you have prediabetes can stir up a lot of emotions — worry, guilt, frustration, or even denial. Some people feel “not sick enough” for support, while others feel overwhelmed by the idea of changing long-standing habits.
This article explores the emotional impact of prediabetes, how stress and mood can affect blood glucose, and what you can do to protect your mental health while looking after your physical health.
The Emotional Impact of a Prediabetes Diagnosis
Prediabetes is sometimes described as a “grey zone” – not diabetes, but not normal. That can make it emotionally confusing. Common reactions include:
- “I feel like I’ve failed.”
- “I’m scared this will turn into diabetes like my parents.”
- “I knew I needed to change, but now it feels urgent.”
These responses are completely normal. Acknowledge them rather than pushing them away. They are a sign that your health matters to you.
How Stress Affects Blood Glucose and Insulin Resistance
Stress hormones (such as cortisol and adrenaline) prepare the body for “fight or flight.” They raise blood glucose and make insulin work less effectively. Chronic stress can therefore:
- Make glucose levels harder to control
- Increase cravings for comfort foods
- Reduce motivation to exercise
Working on stress management is not just about feeling calmer; it’s an important part of improving insulin resistance and reducing your long-term risk.
Common Feelings People Describe
People living with prediabetes often report:
- Worry about the future and complications
- Guilt or shame about weight, food choices, or past habits
- Frustration when numbers do not improve as quickly as hoped
- Isolation – feeling like others do not understand
These feelings can lead to unhelpful coping strategies such as comfort eating, withdrawing from social activities, or avoiding follow-up appointments.
Healthy Coping Strategies
Healthier approaches include:
- Small, realistic goals – focus on one or two changes at a time.
- Rewarding progress – notice non-scale victories like improved energy or better sleep.
- Mindfulness and relaxation – simple breathing exercises or short mindfulness practices can reduce stress.
- Problem-solving rather than self-blame – if a strategy isn’t working, adjust it instead of giving up.
You may find these articles helpful: Mindfulness and prediabetes management and Good stress, bad stress, and distress.
Getting Support
You do not have to manage prediabetes alone. Sources of support include:
- Your healthcare team – doctor, diabetes educator, dietitian, psychologist.
- Family and friends – when they understand your goals, they can help rather than hinder.
- Peer support – online or in-person groups where people share similar experiences.
- Mental health professionals – if low mood, anxiety, or distress are persistent.
If you have thoughts of self-harm, hopelessness, or severe anxiety, seek help urgently from your doctor, emergency services, or local mental health crisis service.
What Should You Do Next?
Looking after your mental health is not a luxury; it is part of good diabetes prevention. You might start by:
- Discussing your feelings with your doctor at your next appointment
- Choosing one small lifestyle goal that feels achievable this week
- Sharing your diagnosis with one trusted person in your life
Related articles:
- The difficulty of being diagnosed with prediabetes
- Prioritising yourself – is it selfish?
- On the cycle of diabetes burnout
Join a Supportive, Doctor-Led Session
If you’d like an empathetic, structured explanation of what prediabetes means and how to move forward, you can join the free webinar:
Join the Prediabetes & Insulin Resistance Masterclass →
To receive ongoing encouragement and mental-health-aware tips by email: Click here to receive prediabetes support emails.
