Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with chronic complications and comorbidities. Psychopathology and personality changes (PCh) are also found in DM. Some authors suggest organic PCh. The aim of our study was to access DM associated PCh and their relations with DM complications, glycemic control (GC) and family history for DM (FH).

We examined 47 patients with DM type 2 (64.65±9.78 years old; 14 males, 33 females; 24 with and 23 without FH, 20 with good, 15 with poor and 12 with very poor GC). All of them underwent somatic and neurological examinations. Blood count and biochemistry, urine analysis, brain computer tomography, electroneurography, electrocardiography and neuropsychological battery were applied. PCh were accessed by Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory.

The most frequent PCh were hypochondriasis (Hs, 77%), hysteria (Xy, 74%) and schizoidia (Se; 77%); hypomania was low in 60%; 30% showed low psychasthenia and 49% low psychopatia. High paranoia had 23% and low–15%. Poor GC was associated with cognitive impairment (CI) and high Hs, Xy and Se. Patients with high Hs, Xy and Se showed more frequent diabetic complications (retinopathy, polyneuropathy and nephropathy), comorbidities and CI than those without, even after correction for age, therapy and DM duration. FH was risk factor for PCh.

Patients with DM show specific PCh. High scoring on Hs, Xy and Se scales are associated with poor GC, chronic DM complications, co-morbidities and CI. FH is risk factor for PCh.