A daily study of stressors, continuously measured glucose, and diabetes symptoms in latinos with type 2 diabetes

This study examined whether daily stressors and continuously monitored glucose levels and glucose variability predict daily diabetes symptoms. Fifty Latinos with type 2 diabetes were randomized to either diabetes education (DE-only; N = 23) or DE plus stress management and relaxation training (DE + SMR; N = 32). After treatment, for 7 days they wore ‘blinded’ continuous glucose monitors and reported common stressors and diabetes symptoms twice daily. Between individuals, participants with more numerous overall stressors and more time in hyperglycemia reported higher symptoms. Within individuals, symptoms were higher during intervals of greater than usual stressors. Yet, diabetes symptoms did not covary with changes in glucose levels or glucose variability. The within-person stressor-symptom association was stronger among older individuals and non-significant for participants in DE + SMR condition. Diabetes symptoms were associated with recent stressor exposure, but not recent glucose level or changes in glucose. Clinical Trial Number ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (No. NCT01578096).