Quality of life in diabetic patients: a comparative study

Objective (s): Diabetes is a disease with high and increasing prevalence rate that can affect all aspects of patients’ life. The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of life of diabetic patients (type I and II) and compare it with non-diabetics patients in Illam province. This was a comparative study. A sample of 122 diabetic patients and 122 non-diabetic counterparts in Abdanan, Ilam province, Iran were selected by stratified random sampling method. The quality of life of was assessed using the SF-36. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics in order t compare quality of life in diabetics and non-diabetics patients. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic variables (P> 0.05). The results showed that diabetic patients had significantly lower scores in terms of physical functioning, role physical, role emotional,vitality, social function, bodily pain and general health (P<0.05). However, the difference was not significant for mental health (P> 0.05). The results indicated a low quality of life in diabetic patients compared to comparison group. Therefore, it is essential that these patients receive educational, counseling, appropriate care and support services aimed at improving quality of life.