Psychometric Assessment of Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes in High and Moderate Distress

Background and Aim: Diabetes distress is an emotional state arising from the challenges of living with diabetes. This study aims to assess the diabetes distress score (DDS) among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and subsequently analyze their progress after three months of therapy. Methodology: A total of 536 participants were screened employing the DDS self-report 17 questionnaire. Of these, 213 individuals with high DDS were recommended for one-on-one psychological consultation along with health coach consultation to manage T2D, whereas 218 individuals with moderate DDS were recommended only for health coach consultation. Results: All participants underwent a 90-day assessment of their DDS. Participants with high DDS experienced a significant reduction as compared to those at moderate distress. The baseline DDS (DDS-Q0) of high distress was 3.4±0.7, with scores for Physician Distress (PD), Emotional Distress (ED), Regimen Distress (RD) and Interpersonal Distress (IPD) being 3.4±0.7, 3.8±1, 3.7±1, and 2.7±1.3, and the DDS-Q1 score was 2.7±1.1, with scores for PD, ED, RD, and IPD being 2±1.2, 3±1.3, 2.9±1.3, and 2.2±1.4, respectively. For individuals at moderate risk, the baseline DDS-Q0 score was 2±0.28, with domain scores for PD, ED, RD, and IPD of 2±0.28, 2.2±0.68, 2.3±0.64, and 1.4±0.56, and the DDS-Q1 score was 1.9±0.69, with domain scores for PD, ED, RD, and IPD of 1.5±0.82, 2.1±0.89, 2.1±0.97 and 1.5±0.91, respectively. Furthermore, individuals with high distress experienced an average HbA1c reduction of 1.2±1.3%, a decrease in fasting blood sugar (FBS) by 22.6±66.8 mg/dl, and a weight loss of 1.8±3.4 kg. Those with moderate distress saw a decrease in HbA1c, FBS, and weight by 0.98±1.48%, 21±48.86 mg/dl, and 2.0±2.7 kg, respectively. Conclusion: Participants with high DDS and who got clinical support showed a substantial improvement, with a 20.9% reduction in distress scores, compared to an improvement rate of 4.02% among those who were at moderate distress. This suggests that early identification and targeted support can improve outcomes for individuals. with high distress. Future studies will be needed to observe long-term trends and achieve better results for individuals with moderate DDS.