Glycosylated hemoglobin levels and self-reported stress in adults with diabetes

This study examined the relationship between glycosylated hemoglobin and self-reported stress in a sample of adult Type II diabetics. The study sample was drawn from participants in a randomized clinical trial of the comparative effectiveness of two oral antihyperglycemic drugs in the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes. The 19 study participants were asked to complete a brief questionnaire on recent stress. Stress scores were then compared with levels of glycosylated hemoglobin. Correlations between glycosylated hemoglobin and stress scores were highly significant, a finding of particular clinical relevance in view of the relatively small number of participants. These findings suggest that sustained stress may contribute to poor glucose control in diabetics. Individuals interested in stress-related research may find glycosylated hemoglobin a useful marker of physiological stress.