Women with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Effect of Disease and Psychosocial-Related Correlates on Health-Related Quality of Life

Abstract

Background This study is aimed at investigating the various disease-specific and health-related psychosocial concepts of HRQOL among insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and understanding the gender differences in HRQOL among IDDM patients. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted to assess the effect of health-related and psychosocial correlates on HRQOL of IDDM patients in Penang, Malaysia. The participants were recruited from five governmental diabetic clinics. Patients with insulin use only, IDDM diagnosed at least 1 year earlier, were identified from clinical registers. The sample was then age stratified for 20–64 years, and severe complications (e.g., end-stage renal failure, hemodialysis, and liver cirrhosis) were excluded; a total of 1003 participants were enrolled in the study. Multivariate regression analysis was used to predict the response. Results A total of 853 (100%) participants were enrolled and completed the study. Women exhibited significantly higher/better mental health (p < 0.013) and health perception scores (p < 0.001) despite high prevalence of impaired role (49.2%), social (24.2%), and physical (40.5%) functionings as compared to men. Women with longer diabetes exposure and uncontrolled glycemic levels (HbA1c) have poorer HRQOL. Availability of social support showed no significant association with either HRQOL or diabetes distress levels. Diabetes distress levels remained not associated with social support. Women also showed significantly higher association with health perception (15% versus 13% men, p < 0.001) and mental health (13% versus 11% men, p < 0.001) in diabetes-specific psychosocial factors. Thus, among women alone, diabetes-related specific and psychosocial factors explained 15% and 13% of variations in HRQOL extents, respectively. Conclusion Women exhibit extensive and significant patterns with health-related factors and diabetes-specific psychosocial factors (self-efficacy, social support, and DLC) to improve HRQOL. Also, women have significantly high reported distress levels and low social functioning compared to men.

Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life Among Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus Who Are Insulin Users: A Multidimensional Model

“…The value score of the EQ-5D-3L visual analog scale index also indicated significantly low indices among OAM users. 10 , 13 The negative influence of T2DM on HRQoL and health state is widely reported across the world, 15 , 24 , 25 but current apprehension focuses on the reversibility of such deteriorating effects with rational treatment modalities. This study also reported that insulin users had a better and improved HRQoL compared with OAM use only.…”

“…Medication adherence, diabetes-related knowledge, and patient satisfaction are the potential parameters for improving HRQoL. 15 None of the studies have discussed these factors among Malaysian populations. Malaysia is a multiethnic society with different lifestyle patterns and religious practices, 2 , 3 , 8 , 9 mainly consisting of Malay, Chinese, and Indian ethnicity.…”

“…Medication adherence, diabetes-related knowledge, and patient satisfaction are the potential parameters for improving HRQoL 15 . None of the studies have discussed these factors among Malaysian populations.…”

Effect of Fenugreek Use on Fasting Blood Glucose, Glycosylated Hemoglobin, Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, Blood Pressure and Quality of Life in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials

“…Our findings have also shown that fenugreek improves the quality of life of patients with T2DM, probably because of the management of the disease by fenugreek treatment. Studies have demonstrated that diabetes management can positively affect the quality of life of diabetic patients [ 34 , 35 ]. The effects of anti-diabetic and cholesterol reduction by fenugreek seeds largely has been attributed to saponins and its high fiber content which delays gastric emptying and unknown components that constrain carbohydrate digestive enzymes [ 36 ].…”

Effect of Fenugreek Use on Fasting Blood Glucose, Glycosylated Hemoglobin, Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, Blood Pressure and Quality of Life in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trials

“…Our findings have also shown that fenugreek improves the quality of life of patients with T2DM, probably because of the management of the disease by fenugreek treatment. Studies have demonstrated that diabetes management can positively affect the quality of life of diabetic patients [34,35]. The effects of anti-diabetic and cholesterol reduction by fenugreek seeds largely has been attributed to saponins and its high fiber content which delays gastric emptying and unknown components that constrain carbohydrate digestive enzymes [36].…”