Health-related quality of life in type 2 diabetic patients

Health-related quality of life [HRQOL] is an important health outcome, representing one of the most important goals of all health interventions. The objectives of this study were to determine HRQOL and the factors affecting it in type 2 diabetic patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted in five primary health care [PHC] centers in the Al-Khobar area. From a random sample of 225 type 2 diabetic patients, 216 patients were included in the study along with 216 age-, sex- and nationality-matched controls. Nine patients refused to participate. Type 2 diabetic patients and controls were interviewed with the translated Arabic SF-12 questionnaire. The mean ages were 50.0 +/- 10.0 years for cases and of 49.3 +/- 10.3 years for controls [P=.526]. Type 2 diabetic patients had lower socioeconomic status and educational level than controls. Obesity was significantly higher in diabetics than controls. HRQOL in type 2 diabetic patients was significantly lower than controls. The mean physical component score was 41.3 +/- 8.9 for cases vs. 47.5 +/- 9.5 for controls [P<.001], and the mean menttal component score 47.8 +/- 9.1 in cases vs. 51.5 +/- 9.4 in controls [P<.001]. HRQOL was significantly lower in females than males [P<.001]. HRQOL was impaired in uncontrolled patients [fasting plasma glucose [FPG]>130 mg/dL] in comparison with controlled patients [FPG?130 mg/dL] [P<.05]. HRQOL was lower in type 2 diabetic patients than controls and was affected by many factors. Females had lower HRQOL than males, possibly because of a higher incidence of obesity. Uncontrolled diabetic patients had a lower HRQOL than controlled diabetics. Improving HRQOL in diabbetic patients is important