Diabetes is a serious disease which if left untreated, can have enormous consequences for the health of the diabetic.

However, the mental health of people with diabetes is often not discussed, yet is often impacted by this disease. It's not uncommon for diabetics to suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and relationship issues.

Australia Counselling member Carolien Koreneff has the unique skills of being a diabetes educator as well as a somatic psychotherapist. So we spoke with her about how diabetes and mental health are closely related.

In this interview Carolien shares:

•How she started working in the field of diabetes

•A background about the field of diabetes and therapy – 3:00

•What is diabetes and the different types of diabetes - 4:15

•Why type 1 diabetes is considered a more serious health issue – 6:00

•Other ways diabetes impacts people – 6:25

•The mental health issues for people with diabetes – 8:00

•How Carolien combines Diabetes education work with psychosomatic therapy work - 9:15

•What counsellors should you be aware of when encountering clients with diabetes – 11:50

•Warning signs to watch for when glucose levels drop low – 12:55

•The importance of mood regulation for diabetics – 14:25

•Relationship issues that can arise during mood changes – 15:05

•How she helps her clients increase their body awareness and tune into what their body is telling them – 15:50

Get the show notes with all the links and resources mentioned in this episode at http://australiacounselling.com.au/79