ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN TYPE OF TREATMENT AND ILLNESS-SPECIFIC LOCUS OF CONTROL IN TYPE-1 DIABETES PATIENTS

This study examined differences in diabetes-specific locus of control beliefs of 82 insulin-treated Type 1 diabetes patients undergoing eith er conventional therapy (CT), intensified conventional therapy (ICT) o r continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). Compared to CT with its adherence to a strict regimen, ICT and CSII allow a much greater flexibility in timing of meals and daily activities. On the other hand , such flexibility requires a much more active role of the patient. Th e hypotheses of higher internality and lower powerful others locus of control beliefs in ICT and CSII patients than in CT patients could be supported for powerful others locus of control only. A one-year follow -up replicated this finding. Furthermore, high powerful others locus o f control was associated with low diabetes-related knowledge and poor glycaemic control. The relevance of the patients' experience with the respective treatment is examined in view of the results and implicatio ns for studies on the feasibility of diabetes regimens are discussed.