Insulin resistance: associations of personal characteristics and factors of lifestyle

Abstract

Objective — to study the relationship of IR with some clinical characteristics (body weight, BMI, level of HbA1c) and social and psychological parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes and IGT.Material and methods.IR was assessed by determining fasting blood glucose and insulin (HOMA — homeostasis model assessment, the calculation of the IR index), patients were tested by using valid questionnaires (Strategic Approach to Coping Scale, The Level of Subjective Control, Self-attitude Questionnaire), and life style questionnaires.Results.Multiple associations of IR index with personal characteristics are revealed. The psychological profile of a patient with a high IR includes the reduction of positive self-attitude, uncertainty in their own abilities, especially in the interpersonal relationships. Such features can provoke rejection of the active and targeted overcome the difficulties of life, the desire to avoid decisions, and if it is impossible — aggressive reactions with defensive character and reflect the uncertainty in their forces. The association of body weight and results of psychological tests were detected: the more the worse self-attitude in a number of aspects. The correlations of IR index and weight with some characteristics of lifestyle (dietary habits, especially sleep) were also revealed.Conclusions.The observed association of IR and personal characteristics and lifestyle features are of interest and required larger studies.