Revista Finlay (Nov 2023)
Association Between Mental Illness and Diabetes: an Expert Opinion-Based Analysis
Abstract
Foundation: the association between mental disorders and diabetes mellitus has had growing interest in medical research and clinical practice. Understanding of the relationship between these two conditions has expanded in recent years and a bidirectional relationship between them has been recognized. Objective: analyze and synthesize the opinions and perspectives of experts in relation to the association between mental illnesses and diabetes mellitus. Method: a descriptive study was carried out by applying the expert Delphi method. A total of 12 experts on this topic, specialists in psychiatry, endocrinology or clinical psychology, whose competence was evaluated, were consulted. For the purposes of the study, two questionnaires were developed. A qualitative assessment of the responses was carried out and the cut-off points and their respective indicator scales were calculated; inverse standard normal values were used. A 4-point Likert scale was used and inverse standard values were assigned to the cumulative probabilities. The Cut Points were estimated as the average of the values of the inverse standard function for each scale. The Limit N value was determined to delimit the ranges of each category. Cronbach's alpha correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between responses in different topic areas. A detailed report was prepared describing the method and results. Results: a characterization of the main mental illnesses associated with diabetes mellitus was obtained, a synthesis of the risk factors for diabetes mellitus in patients with mental illnesses and practical recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these comorbid disorders. Conclusions: the approach to this topic through the compilation of expert criteria allowed us to obtain a complete and enriching understanding of the underlying factors and clinical implications of this bidirectional association, which contributes to developing more effective strategies for early identification. the integrated management and appropriate care of patients with mental illnesses and diabetes mellitus.
