Psychosocial state of patients with IDDM prone to recurrent episodes of severe hypoglycemia

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the psychosocial situation in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) with recurrent attacks of severe hypoglycemia (SH).

Research design and methods: The study group consisted of 17 adult patients with SH and 17 patients matched to the study group with regard to sex, age, and duration of diabetes without severe attacks. The psychosocial situation was measured by means of self-rated questionnaires and an observer's rating scale.

Results: Parameters such as social support, life events, type A behavior, neuroticism, and vital exhaustion were not different, although a higher anxiety rating (P less than 0.05) and a lower rating of happiness (P less than 0.01) were found in the SH group.

Conclusions: We conclude that the anxiety level is increased and that experienced happiness is decreased in patients prone to recurrent severe hypoglycemia.