Relation Between the Number of Major Negative Stressful Life Events and Undiagnosed Glucose Metabolism Disorders (IGT, Diabetes) in First-Degree Relatives of Type 2 Diabetics

Current evidence suggests that stressful experiences may affect both onset and exacerbation of type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess the relation between the number of stressful life events and prevalence of glucose metabolism disorders (IGT, Diabetes) In this cross sectional study, 35-55 year old first degree relatives of type 2 diabetics without history of diabetes were included. Questionaires of stressful life events, physical activity and basic chacteristics were completed. Waist and hip circumference was also measured and OGTT was performed in all patients. Of 477 participants, 288, 146 and 43 were normal, IGT and diabetics respectively the mean number of stressful events for these groups was 3.15,3.55,3.91 (P=0.016), respectively. The prevalence of glucose metabolism disorders was 26.8 in those who reported no stress and 41.5% in participants with stressful events (p=0.03). The prevalence of diabetes was 25.6% vs. 3.2% in subjects with 8 or more stressful events in comparison to subjects with less than 8 stressful events. Considering the probable contribution of stress in the development of diabetes, it is suggested to evaluate the relationship between stress and diabetes as well as the role of education on coping with stress in diabetes prevention, specially in high risk groups, in a more precise manner.