Psychological Factors Associated with the Onset of Diabetes Mellitus

Twenty-five adult new diabetics were psychiatrically evaluated and given a standard personality profile (MMPI). The following results were obtained: (1) fourteen gave a history of definite object loss; (2) six gave evidence of a loss that could be reasonably inferred; (3) ten presented findings suggestive of unresolved grief; (4) fourteen were considered to be living in an emotionally deprived environment; (5) seven were found to be clinically depressed; (6) the MMPI depression scale score was 63 and one third of the patients had a D score of 70 or higher. The implications of these findings are discussed. It is suggested that diabetic patients may be subject to a type of stress specificity. Their response to emotional deprivation may be a non-adaptive shift to the type of metabolism characteristic of starvation. This study cannot be considered conclusive.