Associations Between Social Support and Diabetes-Related Distress in People With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Context Diabetes is a complex, chronic condition and managing it can have psychosocial implications for patients, including an impact on relationships with their loved ones and physical wellness. The necessary modifications to daily behaviors can be very overwhelming, thus leading to diabetes-related distress. Objective To investigate the association between diabetes-related distress and perceived social support among people with type 2 diabetes. Methods This cross-sectional study surveyed a population with a lower socioeconomic status (Medi-Cal recipients, which are only given to low-income individuals) in Solano County, California. Patients who had type 2 diabetes mellitus, who were between 40 and 80 years old, and who had a medical appointment in the clinic(s) at least once between December 2015 and December 2016 were included. Patients who could not understand or speak English and patients whose primary care clinicians declined their participation in the study were excluded from the study. Each study participant was recruited at the end of their medical appointment, and the survey instrument in paper form was administered. The Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) scale, which indicates diabetes-related distress, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) with 3 subscales (family, friends, and significant others) were used in this study. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the associations between PAID and MSPSS surveys. Results For the 101 participants included in our study, multiple linear regression models showed statistically significant association between total MSPSS scores and total PAID scores (β = −.318; 95% CI, .577, −.0581; P=.017) as well as between MSPSS family subscale scores and total PAID scores (β= −.761; 95% CI, −1.35, −.168; P=.012). Among the 3 MSPSS subscales, higher perceived support from family members was found to be significantly associated with lower total PAID scores (β= −.761; 95% CI, −1.35, −.168; P=.012). Conclusion Our findings suggest that a higher level of perceived social support experienced was associated with lower diabetes-related distress among patients with type 2 diabetes. Osteopathic physicians have a central role in providing comprehensive, patient-centered, holistic care, and the attention to social support in chronic disease management can help remove barriers in providing optimal care.

Older Chinese and Filipino American Immigrants with Type 2 Diabetes and their Adult Child: A Qualitative Dyadic Exploration of Family Support

“…While self-management of T2D is rooted in the individual, studies have shown that family members play crucial supportive roles in managing diabetes of a loved one (Thirsk & Schick-Makaroff, 2021 ). Increased familial support has been shown to decrease diabetes-related distress (Young, et al, 2020 ). Thirsk and Schick-Makaroff ( 2021 ) have found that framing of a health issue, whether it be individual or familial, can impact chronic disease management and the provision of family support.…”

From Zero to Hero: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Hike on the Way of St. James—A Feasibility Study with Analyses of Patients’ Quality of Life, Diabetes Distress and Glucose Profile

“…The accompaniment of professional medical personnel and of the other group members might have led to greater subjectively perceived social support. Young et al [ 27 ] assert that diabetes-related stress is lower when greater subjective social support is perceived. The fact that the participants prepared for the hiking tour may be another reason why the PAID scores were relatively low.…”

Factors Associated with Diabetes-Related Distress in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

“…A previous study on 101 patients with T2DM demonstrated that higher perceived support from family members was significantly associated with lower total DRD scores. 36 On the other hand, recent data also showed that not only patients with diabetes are affected by psychological conditions, but also family members (spouses) whom are at higher risk of developing depression/anxiety. The risk is driven by the severity of patient's diabetes.…”