Psychological Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Associations with Awareness and Acceptance Levels: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study investigates the relationship between psychological insulin resistance and diabetes awareness and acceptance among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Additionally, the study seeks to identify factors influencing psychological insulin resistance.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2023 and March 2024 and included 313 individuals diagnosed with T2DM receiving treatment at a hospital. Data were collected using the Patient Information Form, the
Psychological Insulin Resistance (PIR) Scale, and the Diabetes Awareness and Acceptance Scale (DAAS).

Results: The mean total PIR score of the participants was 33.17 ± 10.88, while the mean total DAAS score was 75.12 ± 16.55. A statistically significant positive correlation (r=0.302, P < .01) was found between PIR and DAAS, indicating that individuals with higher diabetes awareness and acceptance also exhibited higher psychological insulin resistance. Regression analysis revealed that income level, gender, diabetes awareness, and disease duration had significant effects on PIR.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that PIR increases in parallel with diabetes awareness and acceptance, suggesting that individuals who are more aware of and have accepted their condition may still experience psychological barriers toward insulin therapy. Individualized approaches based on income level, gender, awareness, and diabetes duration are critical in addressing resistance to insulin therapy. Psychological support and multidisciplinary educational programs can enhance treatment adherence and improve health outcomes in diabetes management.

Cite this article as: Bıçak Ayık D, Akça Doğan D. Psychological insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus: associations with awareness and acceptance levels. Arch
Health Sci Res. 2026, 13, 0102, doi: 10.5152/ArcHealthSciRes.2026.25102.