The role of alexithymia factors in glucose control of persons with type 1 diabetes : a pilot study

Luminet, Olivier [UCL] de Timary, Philippe [UCL] Buysschaert, Martin [UCL] Luts, Alain [UCL]

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the respective contribution of demographic characteristics, health conditions and three psychological variables (depression, anxiety, alexithymia) for glycaemic control measured by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four persons diagnosed with type 1 diabetes completed psychological measures and demographic information at admission (T1) to the hospital and in a follow-up (+8 weeks) (T2). Additional information about their health conditions was also considered. RESULTS: At T1, the alexithymia factor "difficulties describing feelings" (DDF) predicted HbA1c over and above the predictive power of demographic information, health conditions, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, higher decrease in HbA1c from T1 to T2 was predicted by higher scores on the alexithymia factor DDF at admission over and above the other predictors. CONCLUSION: DDF is an important predictor of glucose control. Scoring higher on this factor is related to poorer glycaemic control at admission. Additionally, people with higher scores on this factor seem to benefit highly from the treatment administered at the hospital.