Psychological Insulin Resistance: Key Factors and Intervention

Abstract

Insulin is a mainstay of treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes complications, but psychological insulin resistance can delay insulin treatment. Psychological insulin resistance can be defined as a negative attitude and feelings toward insulin treatment experienced by diabetics. Factors influencing psychological insulin resistance include a lack of understanding of diabetic pathophysiology, a negative attitude toward insulin treatment, anxiety about insulin therapy complications and hypoglycemia, distorted beliefs, daily constraints, fear or pain from injections, and discomfort. Various approaches to psychological insulin resistance involve direct demonstration of the insulin administration processes, education regarding diabetic pathophysiology and insulin action, assessment and evaluation of the degree of psychological insulin resistance, patient group training, building correct support systems, and providing contacts (e.g., diabetes center, diabetes nurse educator). The role of healthcare providers is important in reducing patients’ psychological insulin resistance through various interventions.