Biopsychosocial study of diabetes mellitus

Historically the medical literature has made reference to psychogenic factors involved in the onset and course of diabetes mellitus. Today, as the reductionistic psychogenic theories are vanishing, one can envision a multicausal interactive model. This includes factors related to life experience mediated by genetic, neurophysiological, endocrine, immune, and psychological functions. New insights into psychophysiological mechanisms and a pluralistic approach will assist the clinician in a more effective therapeutic management of the illness.