Diabetes and quality of life—a pilot study

Background: India is regarded as the “Diabetes Capital” of the world owing to the existence of the largest number of people with diabetes in this country. Diabetes is a serious public health problem that has a strong negative impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Objective: To know the quality of life (QoL) of diabetic persons and compare them with normal subjects. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done among 85 diabetic patients and 85 age- and sex-matched normal comparison group. We used the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire—short version (WHOQoL-BREF) to assess QoL. Result: The mean QOL-BREF instrument score, indicating the QoL of the patients, was 57.80. Domain-wise, 55% of the patients revealed good physical QoL, 47% good psychological QoL, 55% good social QoL, and 45% good environmental QoL. The mean score of physical domain of diabetic patients was significantly lower than nondiabetic subjects. Conclusion: This study has shown that the physical domain of QoL was significantly affected in diabetic persons. So, apart from taking regular medications and health checkup, there is a need to address other components of physical domain so that their QoL will improve. While it might not be easy to modify clinical outcomes with good services and support, it might be much more effective in bringing a change in QoL.