Study and comparison of behavior patterns in type 1 and 2 diabetic patients

Physical diseases and human psychological structure are closely interlinked and their effects on each other have been the subject of discussion for scientists for many years. In psychiatric classification, diabetes mellitus is categorized in psychosomatic diseases and the effect of behavior patterns and mental stresses on development of the diseases are dicussed in the above-mentaned category. The aim of this research was to study the relationship between type A behavior pattern and type 1 and 2 diabetes. The sample consisted of 150 people, 50 were type 1 diabetics, 50 type 2 and 50 formed our control group. The Jenkins questionnaire was used to determine type A & B behaviors. In statistical analysis type A behavior pattern was seen more in type 1 diabetics (74%) which in comparison with the control group and type 2 diabetetics (54%) was significant (p<0.05). These findings demonstrate the role of behavior patterns and psychologic factors on the clinical course of diabetes and stress the importance of psychologic intervention in the management of diabetics.