Type II diabetes and personality; a study to explore other psychosomatic aspects of diabetes

BACKGROUND: As one of the most common chronic diseases, diabetes and its control are affected by the patients’ psychological and spiritual attributes. The present study investigates the relationship between glycemic control in patients with type II diabetes and personality traits, defense mechanisms and spirituality. METHOD: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 Iranian patients with type II diabetes, 64% were men. Participants completed the NEO Personality Inventory, the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ) and the Spiritual Assessment Inventory (SAI) and then underwent a blood sampling for the assessment of HbA1C levels. RESULTS: Of the five personality traits, extraversion (r = -0.13 and P < 0.01) and conscientiousness (r = -0.13 and P < 0.01) had significant negative relationships with HbA1C HbA1C levels, while neuroticism had a significant positive relationship with HbA1C levels (r = 0.12 and P < 0.05). Of the defense styles assessed, the neurotic style was found to have a significant negative relationship with HbA1C levels (r = -0.1 and P < 0.05). Also, of the spirituality elements, impression management had significant relationship with glycemic control (r = 0.17 and P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: According to data, Extraversion and conscientiousness can help control blood sugar while anxiety and negative emotions have detrimental effects on glycemic control. As a result considering psychological counselling beside medical interventions can help to better treatment.