Glycemic Control and Adherence to Treatment According to Personality, Self-Esteem, and Perceived Stress in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

The aim of this study was to assess whether personality traits, self-esteem, and perceived stress are associated with glycemic control and adherence to treatment in adults with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We conducted a cross-sectional study in 107 T1DM patients and measured psychological variables (self-esteem, perceived stress, and personality traits) and clinical markers. More than 90% of patients had good or very good adherence to treatment. In addition, patients with poor adherence had higher HbA1c levels. Regarding personality traits, adherence to treatment correlated significantly with agreeableness and conscientiousness and negatively with neuroticism. Patients with high self-esteem had greater adherence to treatment. Finally, a significant positive correlation was observed between perceived stress and HbA1c. We concluded that some personality traits and self-esteem are associated with treatment adherence, and perceived stress is associated with poorer glycemic control in T1DM.