When a diabetic patient is also dealing with depression, there are myriad issues to consider for both the physician and the patient. Everything from diabetes distress and medications to alcohol consumption can affect both conditions.

Diabetes management can be trying in the best of situations for both patient and doctor. When the patient is also being treated for cancer, the challenges are abundant.

In many populations, successfully treating diabetes and other ailments is often secondary to understanding the patient’s culture and traditions.