Assessing the Relationship of Coping Styles in Subjects with T2DM and Glycemic Status

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a long-standing metabolic condition that contributes substantially to illness burden and chronic complications. Maintaining adequate glucose regulation continues to be difficult for many individuals despite improvements in therapeutic options. Alongside medical and biological determinants, psychological factors such as coping responses may shape diabetes self-care behaviors and long-term metabolic outcomes. Existing literature examining the link between coping patterns and glycemic status has produced mixed findings, with limited data available from Indian populations.

Materials and Methods: This investigation employed a hospital-based observational design and included 120 adult individuals diagnosed with T2DM who were receiving care at a tertiary-level health facility. Relevant demographic and clinical information was obtained using a standardized data collection format. Coping behaviors were evaluated using a validated coping assessment tool and grouped into active, emotion-oriented, and avoidant coping categories. Long-term glucose regulation was assessed using recent glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurements. Statistical evaluation involved summary measures and correlation testing to explore relationships among coping patterns, HbA1c values, body mass index (BMI), and disease duration.

Results: Overall glycemic regulation in the study population was suboptimal, as reflected by elevated average HbA1c levels. Strategies aimed at emotional regulation were most frequently adopted, followed by active problem-oriented approaches and avoidance coping-based behaviors. No statistically meaningful direct association was identified between HbA1c values and any coping category. In contrast, strong associations were observed among the different coping strategies themselves. HbA1c demonstrated significant positive relationships with both body mass index and length of time since diabetes diagnosis.

Conclusion: Coping styles did not demonstrate a direct association with glycemic control in this study. Clinical factors such as BMI and duration of diabetes were stronger determinants of HbA1c. The findings suggest that coping strategies may influence glycemic outcomes indirectly through behavioral pathways. Integrating psychosocial assessment with routine diabetes care may support comprehensive disease management.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Coping styles, Glycemic control, HbA1c, Psychosocial factors, BMI