Association Between Health-Related Quality of Life and Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetics

Although several studies indicate that the quality of life of diabetic individuals decreases compared with non-diabetics, fewer studies have evaluated the association between quality of life and glycemic control in these people. The present study was conducted to assess the association between health-related quality of life and glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 125 type 2 diabetic individuals. Indices of glycemic control (serum concentrations of glucose, fructosamine and insulin, insulin resistance and HbA1c percent) were measured after 12-14 hours of fasting. Health-related quality of life was examined by a 36-item short-form health survey questionnaire (SF-36). Using logistic regression and considering the confounding variables, the relationship between quality of life scales and glycemic control were evaluated.

An inverse significant relationship between fructosamine concentration (p=0.04) and glucose concentration (p=0.04) with the general health scale score was observed. There was also a reverse significant relationship between serum glucose concentration and role limitations due to the physical problems scale score (p=0.02) and between insulin concentration and the physical functioning scale score (p=0.04).

There was a significant relationship between some quality of life scales and glycemic indices, indicating that better glycemic control in diabetic individuals enhances their quality of life.