Factors associated with diabetes related distress among adult type 2 diabetic patients in Yerevan, Armenia

Abstract

Mellitus is ranked to be 4th leading cause of death among non-communicable diseases. According to the International Diabetes Federation, by 2035 the number of people with diabetes will rise to 592 million, with more than 58 million people in the European region, which is expected to reach about 67 million by 2045. Studies show that two times more people with type 2 diabetes (DM) suffer from depression compared to those without diabetes. The negative effect of depression on DM can be described by diabetes distress (DD). Taking into account comorbidity of depression and DM, a new descriptive term has been suggested - diabetes distress (DD). DD has been defined as an emotional state causing significant emotional distress, which does not meet the criteria for Major Depressive Disorder. DD is highly prevaltype 2 diabetest in the population and is a serious mood disorder that affects the feelings, thinking and daily activity of those who suffer from it. The symptoms of DD are: anxious mood, feeling of hopelessness and guilt, decreased energy, difficulty in concentration, insomnia, loss of appetite and weight loss. Presence of diabetes related distress affects the quality of life of people with type 2 diabetes and can lead to complications and difficulties in diabetes self-management. Studies show that approximately 45% of people with type 2 diabetes suffer from diabetes related distress. The prevalence of diabetes in Armenia is 12.3%. According to the World Health Organization report, the proportional mortality ratio of diabetes is highest in the region. This can be a consequence of not adequate diabetes self-management caused by diabetes related distress (DD). Currently there are no studies to investigate the prevalence of DD, the influence of diabetes related distress on glycemic control among Armenian Type 2 diabetic population which shows the need for exploration of diabetes related distress. The aim of the study is to explore if diabetes related distress is related to glycemic control among Armenian Type 2 diabetic population above 18 years of age in Yerevan, Armenia. Study will utilize a cross-sectional survey design which will be done by using self-administered questionnaires. The questionnaire will include sections about socio-demographic characteristics of participants, glycemic control, about diabetes self-management, and diabetes related distress. The estimated duration of the study is three months. The study findings can lead to development of interventions that will concentrate on early identification of diabetes distress among type 2 diabetic patients of Yerevan, which can lead to more effective glycemic control and a higher quality of life for those who suffer from diabetes.