The Relationship Between Fatalism and Diabetes Self-Management Outcomes in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This systematic review synthesizes evidence regarding the relationship between fatalism and diabetes self-management outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A systematic search, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCO, and ProQuest databases. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. A consensus emerged regarding a negative association between fatalism and glycemic control; however, the relationships with diet, foot care, medication adherence, and blood glucose monitoring were inconclusive. This review highlights the significant association between fatalism and glycemic control, as well as the role of religiosity/spirituality in shaping fatalistic beliefs. These findings underscore the importance of considering this relationship in personalized T2DM treatment plans. Future research should standardize fatalism measures, employ interventional designs, comprehensively assess diabetes self-management outcomes, and include diverse populations to develop culturally responsive care strategies that potentially leverage religiosity as an adaptive coping resource rather than a barrier to self-management.