Psychological comorbidities, particularly personality disorders, can pose significant challenges in the management of diabetes.
Depression and anxiety have been well-documented in their impact on diabetes management. However, less attention has been given to personality disorders, which, although less prevalent, may also exert profound adverse effects on long-term outcomes. Personality disorders, defined as enduring patterns of cognition, emotion, and behaviour that deviate markedly from cultural expectations, can disrupt the ability of the person with diabetes to adhere to treatment, manage their glucose optimally and engage in proactive health promoting behaviours.
Addressing the intersection of personality disorders and diabetes requires an integrated approach that incorporates both psychological and medical interventions. This approach is well-known to our regular audience, as we have spent time addressing these concepts over the past 3 years in this online social learning forum.