Self-Compassion in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Can Mitigate the Destructive Effects of Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1C) on Psychological Outcomes

Background: This study examined the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationships among Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, psychological well-being, and self-care behaviors in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A sample of 368 individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes residing in northern Iran. Participants were recruited through purposive and consecutive sampling. Data collection involved administering validated psychometric instruments, including the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA), the Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-Being (RSPWB), and the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF). HbA1c levels were measured within past 3 months. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with AMOS-24. Bootstrapping analysis using the MACRO program was employed to examine the mediating relationships. Results: HbA1c levels were significantly and negatively correlated with self-compassion (r=-0.740), psychological well-being (r=-0.658), and self-care behaviors (r=-0.608) (P<0.01). Self-compassion exhibited a significant positive relationship with psychological well-being (r=0.760) and self-care behaviors (r=0.657) (P<0.01). Following the implementation of model modifications, the structural model demonstrated an adequate fit with the data (χ²/df=2.980, GFI=0.921, IFI=0.956, PCFI=0.661, CFI=0.955, PNFI=0.648, RMSEA=0.078). The bootstrap analysis indicated that self-compassion significantly mediated the relationship between HbA1c levels and both psychological well-being (P<0.001) and self-care behaviors (P<0.001). Conclusion: Self-compassion may function as a protective factor, mitigating the negative impact of elevated HbA1c levels on psychological well-being and self-care behaviors among individuals with diabetes. Healthcare professionals involved in diabetes management can leverage the moderating role of self-compassion in HbA1c levels, thereby enhancing patients’ psychological well-being and promoting self-care behaviors.