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ALEXITHYMIA AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN THE ELDER PATIETNS SUFFERING FROM DIABETES MELLITUS

Dr Poonam Khalid, Dr Ghulam Abbas, Dr Muhammad Yousuf, Dr Arif Rahim Khan

Objective: To determine the alexithymia traits and associated risk factors in the elder patients suffering from DM (Diabetes Mellitus). Methodology: This research work was a descriptive study carried out in Nishter Hospital, Multan on 120 patients suffering from Diabetes Mellitus. We performed the collection of data with the utilization of personal data form and the TAS (Toronto Alexithymia Scale). Results: Alexithymia prevailed in 75.80% elder patients who were suffering from Diabetes Mellitus. We discovered that these patients faced difficulties in the identification and description of their feelings. All of these patients were present with high externally-oriented styles of thinking. The level of patients, structure of family and duration of illness influenced their manifestation of traits of alexithymia. Conclusion: Most of the elder patients suffering from Diabetes Mellitus exhibited the characteristics of alexithymia. But these characteristics were not present to have association with gender, patient’s age, marital status, level of qualification and occupational status. Additionally, there was no association between alexithymia and HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin), BMI (Body Mass Index), PBG (Post-prandial Glucose) and the complications and treatment associated with Diabetes Mellitus. Keywords: Glycosylated Hemoglobin, Diabetes Mellitus, Oriented, Glucose, Post-Prandial Glucose, Body Mass Index.

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