PERSONALITY-TRAITS AND LONG-TERM HEALTH-STATUS - THE INFLUENCE OF NEUROTICISM AND CONSCIENTIOUSNESS ON RENAL DETERIORATION IN TYPE-1 DIABETES

Stringent long-term control of blood glucose concentration in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) can decrease albuminu ria, presumably forestalling development of renal insufficiency. Perso nality characteristics may influence a diabetic patient's ability and willingness to follow a prescribed regimen to achieve glycemic control . This study investigated the relationship of 2 personality factors to renal deterioration time (from initiation of insulin therapy to renal failure) in 85 patients with IDDM and end-stage renal disease. Person s moderate in the personality trait of neuroticism and high in conscie ntiousness had renal deterioration times that were 12 years longer tha n persons with either high or low neuroticism and low conscientiousnes s, presumably because of better self-care. The implications of this st udy's findings are discussed.