Examining the Connection Between Diabetes Mellitus Patients' Random Blood Glucose Levels and Mood Swings

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with prevalence increasing significantly each year. Mood swings, characterized by anxiety, tension, irritability, and frustration, may influence blood glucose levels through cortisol secretion, which induces insulin resistance. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between mood swings and random blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus. This research employed a correlational design with a cross-sectional approach. The population consisted of 40 patients with DM participating in the Prolanis program, with 36 selected as samples using stratified random sampling. The independent variable was mood swings measured using a questionnaire, while the dependent variable was random blood glucose levels measured with a glucometer. Data were analyzed using Spearman’s rank test with a significance level of α = 0.05. Most respondents experienced mood swings in the “poor” category (23 respondents; 64%). Random blood glucose levels showed that 25 respondents (69%) had hyperglycemia (>200 mg/dl). Statistical analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between mood swings and random blood glucose levels (p = 0.002, r = –0.506). Mood swings significantly affect random blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus. Increased mood instability is associated with higher cortisol secretion, leading to insulin resistance and elevated glucose levels.