We should never understate the importance of good health and keeping up to date with routine checks when living with diabetes. Whether it’s your Hba1c readings, an eye check, or appointments with your GP, keeping on top of your health is essential. Although this is encouraged across the board, research has shown that men don’t often make health a priority.

Men’s Health Week (June every year) is an opportunity to celebrate good health and make a positive difference in the lives of men and boys.

Stigma

Men are statistically less likely than women to go to the doctor to assess symptoms or diagnose an injury.

This has led to some considerably less favourable health outcomes in men across the world, and social norms can make the problem worse. Terms like “suck it up”, encouraging men to work through the pain or sickness, or to simply not express their feelings, results in a lower life expectancy and massive under-diagnosis of health conditions.

Overall, men show higher rates of illness and injury, yet record less frequent visits to their GP or health specialist. This is particularly concerning in the context of people living with diabetes, where leaving a health issue too long can develop into something much more serious.

Mental health

If we look at mental health more specifically, research has shown that women are more likely to be diagnosed with a mental health condition than men.

Researchers suggest this comes from men being less likely to express their mental health concerns, and practitioners being less likely to recognise the issue as a mental health concern due to stigmatism.

Dealing with the stresses that life throws at us as well as managing diabetes can become overwhelming. The most important step you can take is to seek assistance as soon as you feel like you might not be coping.

What can we do?

So what can we do? Simply put, speak to people! Don’t be afraid to drop your guard and put yourself and your health first. Stop putting off that doctor’s appointment. It won’t make you any less of a human, and will benefit you immensely in the long run.

Listen

Listen to your body and your mind! If you’re not feeling 100% then there is more than likely a reason for that. You may be aware of what it is; be it an injury or anxiety, or maybe you’re not quite sure why you’re not all there. Either way, these health concerns need to be addressed.

Don’t be afraid to rest. Sometimes it can feel as though the weight of the world rests on your shoulders. Taking the time to listen to your body, rest, and restore your health and wellbeing is vital to ensuring good health and will help manage your diabetes immensely.

Healthy Habits

Lifestyle management is at the forefront of good health. Incorporate exercise and incidental activity into your day, limit your alcohol consumption, and make healthy choices surrounding your food.

Men’s Health Week

Let’s take this opportunity to celebrate Men’s Health Week and take the first step towards improving men’s health in diabetes.

If you’re looking to speak to someone regarding your health, or you’re not sure how to take the first steps towards improving your health and diabetes, contact us on 1800 177 055 to speak to one of our Health Professionals.

Jonathon Fermanis – AEP, ESSAM