Personality correlates of glycemic control in type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE - To determine whether traits of normal personality are associate d with variations in glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - A longitudinal cohort study was conducted usi ng data from 105 type 2 diabetic patients in a clinical trial of a stress m anagement intervention. Before treatment assignment, patients completed the NEO Personality Inventory, Revised, which is a questionnaire inventory mea suring 5 major domains of normal personality and 30 important traits that d efine these domains. Glycemic control was assessed by measures of HbA(1c) a nd average blood glucose levels based on 7 days of self-monitoring at basel ine and at 6 and 12 months. Relationships between personality traits and me asures of glycemic control were examined by correlation and linear regressi on models that were adjusted for age, sex, race, duration of diabetes, medi cation status, and experimental treatment. RESULTS - Lower average blood glucose values at baseline were associated wi th higher scores for the personality domain of neuroticism and several spec ific traits including anxiety, angry hostility, depression, self-consciousn ess, and vulnerability but were associated with lower scores for the trait of altruism. Results were similar for HbA(1c) but were not as strong. Follo wup results were similar but were less consistent. CONCLUSIONS - Personality traits may offer new insights into variations in glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing standard manag ement. The relative tendency to experience fewer negative emotions and to f ocus on the needs of others instead of oneself could prove to be a risk fac tor for poor glycemic control.