The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among religious
coping, acceptance of diabetes, social support, diabetes management, and quality of life
among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Religious coping, acceptance of
diabetes, and social support were hypothesized to encourage adherence to self -
management behaviors thus enhancing quality of life. A convenience sample of 247
T2DM patients was recruited from local churches, clinics, a diabetes support group, and
a diabetes education class. Participants completed a 10-page survey comprising the
following reliable and valid scales: Religious Problem Solving Scale-Short Form, Ideas
About Diabetes-Revised Scale (IAD-R), the PRQ2000, the Religious Support Scale,
Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities-Revised, and the Diabetes Quality of Life
Measure. The mean age of the respondents was 54 years, with the majority being female
(68%), Caucasian (53%), and of Protestant religious affiliation (58%). Gender and ethnic
differences were found for religious coping, acceptance of diabetes, and selfmanagement
behaviors. African Americans and women were more religious and used
more religious coping. African Americans also felt more inhibited by diabetes and women were more likely to regularly examine their feet. Gender, general social support,
and feeling less inhibited by diabetes (subscale of acceptance) were significant
predictors of quality of life in the multivariate (regression) analysis (F (19, 219) = 7.777,
p < .001; adjusted R2 = .351). Results of this study support past research indicating the
influence of gender, social support, and feeling inhibited by diabetes on respondents'
quality of life. Attention to patients' level of social support and diabetes education that
teaches patients how to integrate the disease into their life may be critical to improving
quality of life
