Investigation of body awareness and body image perception in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of the study is to investigate body awareness and body image perception of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to explore the association between clinical parameters and body awareness. Methods: A total of 92 participants with T2DM (38 women and 54 men) aged 36–76 years were recruited. Biochemical measurements, including fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), were obtained from the patients’ blood sample records. The Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ), Body Cathexis Scale (BCS) and Awareness Body Chart (ABC) were filled in by all subjects. Results: Most participants had an above-average BAQ (81.5%) and BCS (87%) score. There was a significant correlation between body mass index and ABC pain subscale. HbA1c was significantly associated with the duration of diabetes and sleep-wake cycle, process domains and total BAQ score. The body awareness score for the lower leg and foot regions (ABC parts) was negatively correlated with fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels, while body awareness in the foot region was negatively correlated with the duration of diabetes. There was no association between BCS and any clinical parameters. Conclusion: This study showed that body awareness is associated with diabetes-related clinical parameters, such as fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels, and duration of diabetes in patients with T2DM. Following diabetes progression and an increase in blood glucose levels, body awareness tended to decrease, particularly in the lower leg and foot regions. These findings highlighted the importance of evaluating body awareness in patients with T2DM. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd