|
Interactive, Social Diabetics Have Better Survival Rates |
Being a self-reliant, go-getter personality type has its advantages,
but with a chronic illness, what is normally an advantage can become a
liability.
A recent study recruited 3,535 non-depressed adults with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that 53.8 percent of the study participants had an interactive relationship style and a greater propensity to reach out to others. The other 46.2 percent had an independent relationship style and difficulty reaching out to and trusting others.
The death rate for those in the interactive group was 29 per 1,000 individuals, compared to 39 per 1,000 in the independent group. Meaning independent people have a 33 percent increased risk of death, according to the study. Another interesting find was that even though people with an interactive style had a higher body mass index (BMI), they still had a lower risk of death. Normally, a higher BMI in people with diabetes would tend to be associated with a higher risk of death.
People with diabetes do much better, in terms of survival, if they can turn to others for support. The findings in this study should prompt doctors to consider a person's relationship style in their treatment.
Diabetes Care
|
