OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of the Kobe, Japan, earthquake, a life-threatening event, on stress and glycemic control in diabetic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Hemoglobin A1c levels before and after the earthquake were evaluated in diabetic patients in Kobe (N = 157; magnitude, 7.2) and in Osaka, Japan, as a control (N = 277; magnitude, 4.2), where little damage to houses and traffic facilities occurred. Glycosylated hemoglobin levels were also compared with those of 2 years before and 1 year after the earthquake. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and a self-administered questionnaire regarding damage to houses and relatives killed or injured were used to assess psychological and mental stresses on earthquake survivors. RESULTS: Glycemic control was aggravated in diabetic patients after the earthquake in Kobe but not in Osaka. THe GHQ scores were significantly higher in the patients in Kobe than those in Osaka. Increased hemoglobin A1c concentrations and high scores on the GHQ were especially evident in diabetic patients with severe damage to houses and/or with relatives killed or injured. CONCLUSION: These results suggest an association between chronic, life-threatening stress and the worsening of metabolic control in patients with diabetes mellitus.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of the Kobe, Japan, earthquake, a life-threatening event, on stress and glycemic control in diabeticpatients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Hemoglobin A1c levels before and after the earthquake were evaluated in diabeticpatients in Kobe (N = 157; magnitude, 7.2) and in Osaka, Japan, as a control (N = 277; magnitude, 4.2), where little damage to houses and traffic facilities occurred. Glycosylated hemoglobin levels were also compared with those of 2 years before and 1 year after the earthquake. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and a self-administered questionnaire regarding damage to houses and relatives killed or injured were used to assess psychological and mental stresses on earthquake survivors. RESULTS: Glycemic control was aggravated in diabeticpatients after the earthquake in Kobe but not in Osaka. THe GHQ scores were significantly higher in the patients in Kobe than those in Osaka. Increased hemoglobin A1c concentrations and high scores on the GHQ were especially evident in diabeticpatients with severe damage to houses and/or with relatives killed or injured. CONCLUSION: These results suggest an association between chronic, life-threatening stress and the worsening of metabolic control in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Authors: Cuixia An; Yun Zhang; Lulu Yu; Na Li; Mei Song; Lan Wang; Xiaochuan Zhao; Yuanyuan Gao; Xueyi Wang Journal: Int J Clin Exp Med Date: 2014-11-15
Authors: Marie A Krousel-Wood; Tareq Islam; Paul Muntner; Erin Stanley; Ashli Phillips; Larry S Webber; Edward D Frohlich; Richard N Re Journal: Am J Med Sci Date: 2008-08 Impact factor: 2.378
Authors: Marie A Krousel-Wood; Paul Muntner; Tareq Islam; Donald E Morisky; Larry S Webber Journal: Med Clin North Am Date: 2009-05 Impact factor: 5.456
Authors: Vivian A Fonseca; Hayden Smith; Nitesh Kuhadiya; Sharice M Leger; C Lillian Yau; Kristi Reynolds; Lizheng Shi; Roberta H McDuffie; Tina Thethi; Jennifer John-Kalarickal Journal: Diabetes Care Date: 2009-06-19 Impact factor: 19.112