[Stages of grief in diabetes and metabolic control].

Background: To identify type 2 diabetic patients, the stages of grief and its association with metabolic control.

Methods: 186 patients both sexes, without recent loss of a loved one or a terminal illness. We applied a previously validated instrument, which explored the stages of grief (denial, anger/disbelief, bargaining, depression, and acceptance). There was measured BMI, waist circumference, and 6-month averages of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides.

Results: The associations between the stages of grief and clinical variables showed that BMI is greater denial 33.1 ± 6.2 vs 28.9 ± 4.6 33.1 with p = 0.001, in disbelief stage glucose is greater 190 ± 67 vs 167 ± 51 with p < 0.05. The negotiation phase is associated with older age, 65.6 ± 10 vs 59.1 ± 11 years with p = 0.001 and higher cholesterol level against 229.4 ± 39.1 vs 206.6 ± 40 with p < 0.05. The stage of depression was associated with increased diagnostic time vs. 13.3 ± 8.9 vs 9.4 ± 7.1 years with p < 0.05 and the blood glucose level 198.9 ± 60, vs 164 ± 51 mg/dL p = 0.001.

Conclusions: There are logical associations between clinical variables and stages of grief. Identify the stages of grief, as an additional element in the evaluation of patients with diabetes will develop strategies to improve adherence to medical management and metabolic control.