Sense of control and diabetes mellitus among U.S. adults: A cross-sectional analysis

Kathryn M Cardarelli,Elizabeth R Baumler,Susan Tortolero,Sally W Vernon,M David Low

doi:10.1186/1751-0759-1-19

Abstract

BackgroundLittle is known about the influence of psychosocial factors on diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to improve understanding of the association between two psychosocial factors- sense of control and social support- and diabetes mellitus.MethodsThe authors analyzed data from 2,592 U.S. households in the 1995 survey of the Aging, Status, and the Sense of Control study. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine whether sense of personal control and social support were associated with DM and whether gender, race, and Hispanic ethnicity modified these associations.ResultsAfter adjusting for age, obesity, and socioeconomic position, a one point increase in sense of control (i.e., a stronger sense of control) was associated a significant reduction in risk of diabetes mellitus (odds ratio = 0.67, 95% confidence interval: 0.47, 0.95). A weak social support system was associated with a non-significant risk of diabetes (odds ratio = 1.32, 95% confidence interval: 0.93, 1.89). No effect modification was detected.ConclusionSense of control deserves greater attention as a predictor of diabetes mellitus. Further studies of the contribution of psychosocial factors to diabetes mellitus should assess the temporal nature of this relationship.

Highlights

Little is known about the influence of psychosocial factors on diabetes mellitus
Over the past thirty years, psychosocial variables have emerged as important risk factors for cardiovascular disease [1] but similar attention has not been paid to their potential contribution to diabetes mellitus (DM)
Type 2 DM, which accounts for 90%–95% of the total DM prevalence in the United States, is associated with obesity and physical inactivity [7], largely preventable risk factors, which have been linked to a sense of control [8,9] and to social support [9,10]

Summary

Introduction

The aim of this study was to improve understanding of the association between two psychosocial factors- sense of control and social support- and diabetes mellitus. Previous research of psychosocial characteristics related to DM has focused largely on their role in the management of the illness [2] Factors such as anger, hostility, depression, lack of social support, and locus of control have been associated with coronary heart disease incidence and mortality [3,4,5,6]. Type 2 DM, which accounts for 90%–95% of the total DM prevalence in the United States, is associated with obesity and physical inactivity [7], largely preventable risk factors, which have been linked to a sense of control [8,9] and to social support [9,10]. Social support has been linked with cardiovascular disease [15,16,17,18]

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