Psychological factors account for variation in metabolic control and perceived quality of life among people with type 2 diabetes in New Zealand.

BACKGROUND

Many people with diabetes experience poor metabolic control and reduced quality of life (QoL).

PURPOSE

This study investigates the relationships between psychological variables, metabolic control, and QoL among adults with type 2 diabetes.

METHOD

Research participants (n = 615) were randomly selected from a medical database of people with type 2 diabetes held in Wellington, New Zealand. Self-report psychological data was collected using a mailed questionnaire survey. Clinical characteristics were obtained through a review of medical records with participants' written consent.

RESULTS

Psychological perceptions of diabetes explain approximately 8% of differences in metabolic control and 16% of variability in quality of life, even when controlling for key clinical characteristics. Belief that diabetes is temporary, a perception that diabetes is difficult to control, strong negative emotional representation of diabetes, and agreement that diabetes has serious consequences were linked to poor illness outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Psychological variables make a unique and statistically significant contribution to the explanation of differences in both physiological and emotional diabetes outcomes. Potentially, modification of personal views about diabetes could help promote positive health outcomes for people with type 2 diabetes. This study highlights specific illness perceptions that could be targeted in future interventions.