Publication:

Stigmata of complications on the quality of life of type 2 diabetic patients

Background Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder the prevalence of which has continued to evolve with time. For such chronic illness where there is no permanent remedy, it is important to establish that therapy really makes people feel better. The purpose of the study was to analyze the quality of life (QOL) in a group of diabetic patients with or without complications and its impact on their day to day living.

Methods 270 type 2 DM patients were enrolled for this retrospective done at S P Medical College Bikaner. Assessment of QOL was done with “The audit of diabetes dependent quality of life scale (ADDQoL).”  This composed of 19 domain specific items and their response options.

Results All 19 parameter of QOL were found to be negatively impacted (-4.28 to -6.08) in DM patients. Most negatively impacted parameters were personal life, sexual life and physical work (-6.08, -5.57, -5.11 respectively).Widower patients had worst quality of life as compared to married patients. Modality of treatment had major impact on QOL with patient on insulin therapy having worse QOL as compared to other treatment modality.

Conclusions Patients with DM not only have impairments in their physical functioning but have statistically significant impairment of all aspects of QOL. The stigmata of living with diabetes had influence on every aspect including physical, psychological and social aspects of QOL. Optimal glycaemic control will not only prevent the development of long standing complication but will also help in improving QOL and general wellbeing of the patients.