Correlation of type 2 diabetes mellitus with perceived stress and family functioning

Introduction:

Diabetic patients are not able to achieve the desired glycemic control despite adequate pharmacotherapy. As a result, some researchers have turned their attention towards stressful life experiences and family support system affecting the glycemic control. Hence, the monitoring of psychological health of diabetic patient is now being recognised as an important element of care.

Objectives:

To study the correlation between perceived stress and family functioning in type 2 diabetic patients and to assess glycemic control.

Materials and methods:

100 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 100 non-diabetic controls were enrolled. After taking informed consent, a detailed socio-demographic proforma was filled. HbA1c levels were used to measure glycemic control. McMaster Family Assessment Device and Sheldon Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale were used to measure family functioning and perceived stress, respectively.

Results:

Perceived stress was high in diabetics 16.33 ± 2.06 as compared to non-diabetics 14.64 ± 2.07, p < 0.001. Family Functioning was unhealhty in diabetics 2.09 ± 0.12 as compared to the non-diabetics 1.99 ± 0.16, p < 0.001. Behavior Control was observed to more likely affect the patients with type 2 diabetes (β= 0.267, p = 0.002). Statistically significant correlation was observed between perceived stress and family functioning (r = 0.463, p < 0.001). Positive correlation of perceived stress and HbA1c level (r = 0.463, p < 0.001) was observed which was statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Hence, diabetic patients who have unhealthy family functioning, perceive more stress and as a result, have poor glycemic control. Therefore, stress and family functioning are an important aspect that needs to be taken care of in management of diabetes apart from pharmacotherapy.