Abstract
Self-compassion is a modifiable characteristic, linked with psychological well being and intrinsic motivation to engage in positive health behaviours. We aimed to explore levels of self-compassion in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and their association with levels of depression, diabetes-related distress and glycaemic control. A cross-sectional study in 176 patients with T2DM in Leicester, UK, using three self-report questionnaires: the Self Compassion Scale (SCS); Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS-17). Demographic data, medical history and blood samples were collected. Majority of participants were male (n=120, 68.2%), with median [IQR] age and HbA1c of 66 [60, 71] years and 7.3 [6.7, 8.0] %, respectively. Multivariable analysis adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity and diabetes duration revealed significant association of all three scores with HbA1c: per one standard deviation increase of each score, a -0.16% reduction in HbA1c for SCS (p=0.027), 0.21% increase for PHQ-9 (p=0.012) and 0.33% increase for DDS-17 (p<0.001). Higher levels of self-compassion and lower levels of depressive symptoms were associated with significantly better long-term diabetes control. These results reinforce the importance of emphasis on psychological parameters, including self-compassion, in the multi-disciplinary management of T2DM. We identify this as a potential area for intervention in UK practice.
Highlights
Compassion at its simplest level is to be aware of the suffering of oneself and others and to be motivated to alleviate it
Multivariable analysis adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity and diabetes duration revealed significant association of all three scores with HbA1c: per one standard deviation increase of each score, a -0.16%
Higher levels of self-compassion and lower levels of depressive symptoms were associated with significantly better long-term diabetes control
Summary
Compassion at its simplest level is to be aware of the suffering of oneself and others and to be motivated to alleviate it. The essence of self-compassion is to treat oneself with kindness, avoiding harsh self-criticism and focusing on the acceptance of flaws [1]. A tendency for self-compassion is linked with psychological well-being and significantly predicts positive health behaviours most notable of which is self-management behaviour [2,3]. Diabetes is a complex chronic condition with the requirement for intensive self-management behaviours, including adherence to dietary and exercise advice and medication compliance, as well as monitoring of the effect of these through clinical measures including blood glucose levels and blood pressure control. Self-compassion is a key indicator of well-being and is linked with self-
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