Prevalence and impact of stress among individuals with type 2 diabetes attending a tertiary diabetes center in South India

Aims and Objectives: Diabetes is a chronic health condition proving to be a major health challenge globally. Being a lifestyle-related disorder, psychosocial and behavioral factors are critical for its management, among which stress plays a contributory role. Diabetes is associated with increased risk of depression, anxiety, and stress due to its debilitating nature and complications. Stress not only affects glycemic control through biological pathways but also leads to unhealthy behavior such as binge eating, smoking, and alcohol. This study attempts to fill the lacuna between clinical and psychosocial aspects of stress and thereby determines the prevalence and impact of stress among type 2 diabetes individuals in a clinic population. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional, case–control study that includes individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as well as those with normal glucose tolerance. Assessment of stress was done using a validated tool, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (stress component). Sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometry, blood pressure, and biochemical parameters were collected in all the participants. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences statistical software. Results: The prevalence of stress was significantly higher in T2DM compared to normal glucose tolerance (NGT; 43% vs 13%, P < .001). Both among T2DM and NGT, stress levels were higher in younger individuals with higher education, higher income levels, and professionals. Stress scores decreased with age at diagnosis of T2DM (16.6 [≤25 years] vs 15.6 [≥26–40 years] vs 12.7 [≥41 years], P < .001). T2DM was significantly associated with stress after adjusting for confounding factors. Conclusion: Individuals with T2DM had significantly higher prevalence of stress. Regular screening of stress could lead to better glycemic control.