The Relationship between Glycemic Index, Social Support and Sleep Quality in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Social support and sleep quality can be beneficial in both self-care behaviors and health outcomes in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between glycemic index, social support and sleep quality in patients with T2DM.

In a cross-sectional study, 156 men and 144 women with T2DM were enrolled from July to September 2020. Level of self-care activities, social support, and sleep quality were measured with validated and appropriate questionnaires, and clinical characteristics were acquired from patients’ medical records.

The mean age of the participants was 50.83±7.14 years. According to this study, more than 60% of participants had poor selfcare behaviors (37.68±12.94) and poor sleep quality (7.55±3.80) and the overall average of the social support score was moderate (67.73±19.85). A significant negative association was noticed between HbA1c and selfcareactivities and social support score (r=-0.346, p<0.001 and r=-0.309, p<0.001, respectively). There was a significant positive relationship between HbA1c and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score (r=0.469, p<0.001). Also, a significant negative association was observed between social support and PSQI score (r=-0.393, p<0.001).

Glycemic control, self-care behaviors, high social support, and optimal sleep quality are suggested to be considered in diabetes management guidelines and policy making.