Diabetes distress among type 2 diabetic patients

Abstract

Background : Diabetes mellitus is being increasingly recognized as a serious global health problem and is frequently associated with co-morbid distress, contributing double burden for the individual and the society. Aim : This study documents the proportion of diabetes distress and factors associated with it. Methods : A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2012. Data were collected through interview and record review of 165 adults with type 2 diabetes. Results : The proportion of diabetes distress among the study population was 48.5%, which includes 22.4% high distress and 26.1% moderate distress. The remainder had little or no distress. The Mean ± SD of total diabetes distress score was2.17 ± 0.75. The Mean ± SD for each domain score such as emotional burden, physician-related distress, regimenrelated distress and interpersonal distress was (3.49 ± 1.52), (1.13 ± 0.32), (2.12 ± 0.85), (1.40± 0.65) respectively. Emotional burden was considered as the most important domain in measuring diabetes distress. The influence of age (p Conclusion : This study identified diabetes distress as a significant health problem among adult type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. This should be taken into consideration for effective management of patient. Key words : Diabetes mellitus, diabetes distress, HbA1c, glycaemic status