The unique role of religion in managing diabetes

For people in Java living with diabetes, spirituality and religion play a significant role in managing their condition. The highly spiritual Javanese tend to think everything that happens in the world — including illness — has a divine purpose. They believe that if they can endure their illness with patience, God will forgive them of their sins.

This attitude is a demonstration that the illness has raised a person’s ability to accept their situation as God's will, with the self-awareness to adhere to diabetic management guidelines, bringing enjoyment of their daily activities despite their disease. Social cohesion and social support are also important aspects of social determinants of health in managing diabetes.