Emotional aspects in diabetes mellitus: a study of somatopsychological reactions in 51 couples in which one partner has insulin-treated diabetes.

Fifty-one couples in which one partner has insulin-treated diabetes were studied in a combined questionnaire/interview procedure. Focus was the emotional aspects in having a chronic disease seen from both the patient's and the partner's point of view. The diabetics complained more often of fear and anxiety about future, fluctuations in mood and were finding their daily life more troublesome. Further the diabetics claimed to be more tired and diabetic males had more sexual concerns. We find the emotional considerations crucial to the management of diabetes and suggest better efforts should be made in coping with these problems including both the patient and the spouse.