Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus is a significant metabolic condition characterized by its widespread occurrence and associated complications. Reports indicate that DM impacts 25% of the global population. The way individuals handle their existing illnesses throughout their lifetimes is crucial in terms of uncertainty and self-care behaviors within chronic diseases such as DM. The connection between individuals’ physiological parameters (HbA1c etc.) and uncertainty, as well as emotion regulation strategies, is highlighted. Examining the correlation between psychological and physiological variables in individuals with type 2 diabetes is emphasized as a pivotal aspect of disease management.

Aim: This study aims to assess how emotion regulation strategies impact physiological symptoms, illness uncertainty, and the practice of health-promoting self-care among individuals diagnosed with Type 2 DM.

Method: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 433 patients who followed in a public hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Scale, the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale, and the Diabetes Health Promotion Self-Care Scale.

Results: The participants, with a mean age of 52.84±7.11 years, were mostly male (56.4%), married (80.8%), and university graduates (49.4%). In terms of diabetes and health characteristics, the participants had an average diabetes diagnosis duration of 4.33±1.33 years, and the average HbA1c value was 8.61±0.73%. Notably, 56.1% of participants received Oral Anti-Diabetic and Insulin treatment, and 37% took diabetes training for self-care. Daily living activities were successfully performed by 94.7% of participants, with only 2.5% requiring assistance. About 50.3% were uncertain about whether DM would impact their lives, and their overall health status was reported as good. Participants scored high on the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale, Diabetes Health Promotion Self-Care Scale, and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Scale Subscales.

Conclusion: In conclusion, according to the study results, the interventions to strengthen people diagnosed with type-2 DM mental and physical health should be developed.

Keywords: diabetes mellitus, illness uncertainty, health promotion, emotional regulation strategies