[The quality of life of diabetics]. / Qualidade de vida da pessoa diabética.

The purposes of this study were to identify the meaning of the quality of life for the people who suffer from Diabetes Mellitus, to recognize the aspects which affect most their lives due to this disease and the degree of the satisfaction in their lives as well. Participated in this research forty-six (46) diabetic patients, adults of both sexes, who were in a polyclinic for treatment. The results showed that the meaning of the quality of life had priority related to the physical well-being (54.5%), to the social and economical stability (26.0%), and to the spiritual and emotional well-being (16.9%). The most affected aspects due to this disease were: studying and home activities (38.5%) physical ability (25.6%) and family relationship (10.3%). Concerning about the degree of satisfaction with their lives, the majority of them (66.6%) considered themselves satisfied or very satisfied. It is worth while to point out the importance of considering the multimensionality of the concept of quality of life while attending the diabetic person.