BACKGROUND
In the present study the authors evaluated the relationship between personality traits (according to DSM-III-R) and poor metabolic control in an adult onset insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus sample (n = 77).
METHODS
Personality traits were assessed with the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire--Revised. Metabolic control was evaluated through glycosilated hemoglobin (HbA1c): poor metabolic control was defined as HbA1c > or = 9% (normal values < 6.0%).
RESULTS
Principal Component Analysis revealed three personality profiles: 'Cluster A/C Mixed', 'Cluster B Dependent' and 'Cluster B Aggressive'. Oneway ANCOVA, using sex as covariate, revealed a significant association (p = 0.01) only between poor metabolic control and Cluster B Dependent profile. No correlation was found between HbA1c and the other profiles.
CONCLUSION
These data suggest that a specific personality profile is associated with poor metabolic control.