On the occasion of World Diabetes Day in Nice, the prevention campaign launched today by the Association of Diabetics of the Alpes-Maritimes and Eastern Var focuses on two urgent challenges: the mental health of people affected by the disease and the surge in cases of type 2 diabetes among young people in the Côte d’Azur.
In Nice, for this new World Diabetes Day and the launch of the prevention week organized by the city in partnership with the Association of Diabetics of the Alpes-Maritimes and Eastern Var, the focus this year is on two major urgencies: the impact of the disease on mental health and the worrying increase in detected cases of type 2 diabetes in the Alpes-Maritimes department among young people (16-25 years old).
Diabetes and Mental Health: A Concerning Link Often Underestimated
Diabetes is not just about blood sugar levels. For those affected by the disease, mental well-being is often severely tested.
Managing diet, fear of hypoglycemia, stress related to treatments, or worry about potential complications can lead to a constant state of vigilance and anxiety.
Pascal Lamaury, president of the Association of Diabetics of the Alpes-Maritimes and Eastern Var, present this morning at one of the prevention stands, insists, “do not remain alone.” He adds, “being affected by diabetes induces a lot of stress and vigilance. We hope this prevention campaign will encourage those affected by the disease to talk about their daily life, their concerns, and their fears with health professionals and specialized structures that can support and accompany them.”
A study by the International Diabetes Federation, relayed by the French Federation on this World Day, reveals worrying numbers concerning mental health among those affected by diabetes.
According to this study: 77% of people living with diabetes have suffered from anxiety, depression, or eating and sleep disorders. These well-being disorders affect 30% of women and 14% of men.
Another troubling finding from this study: only 20% of people with diabetes receive mental health support. Worse still, 30% of them state they would have liked to be accompanied to benefit from it.
The Worrying Rise of Diabetes Among Young People in the Alpes-Maritimes
Type 2 diabetes is increasingly affecting younger people. A concerning increase that this prevention campaign also aims to address.
In the Alpes-Maritimes, the numbers from the French Diabetes Federation are alarming. In 2024, an increase of 2.5 to 3% in positive screenings was recorded.
A rise against which Pascal Lamaury, president of the Association of Diabetics of the Alpes-Maritimes and Eastern Var, warns: “our department was relatively shielded from this issue among young people, but for several years, the numbers have been rising and matching the national average. There is an urgent need to raise awareness and protect future generations. Type 2 diabetes is a stealthy disease. One can develop this form of the disease without apparent symptoms for years. It’s when one becomes less active that the signs manifest. This is why prevention and screening are essential.”
An increase resulting from a more sedentary lifestyle, excessive consumption of ultra-processed products (sodas, pastries, candies, and others), a lack of regular physical activity, but also the growing precariousness currently affecting young people, particularly students.
The French Diabetes Federation considers that a person is four times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes when living in a precarious situation.
Faced with this dual urgency, Pascal Lamaury, president of the Association, issues a call for volunteers to intensify prevention and information: “the more of us there are, the further we can advance the fight against diabetes. It is important to raise awareness among young people and vulnerable populations. It is crucial to improve support for diabetics and their loved ones.”
