Quality of Life in Patients Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Introduction: Since the beginning of the new millennium, type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Mexico is the first cause of death in women and the second cause of mortality among men.1 The T2D is a chronic degenerative disease in which blood glucose is elevated2 and that over time; this excess causes a state known as glucotoxicity, which is the pathophysiological basis of diabetes and its complications.3,4 The T2D is complex and leads to physical, economic, and emotional stress that has a direct or indirect impact on the quality of life of patients.5 Objective: To determine the quality of life in patients with T2D, using the “Escala de Calidad de Vida Relacionada con la Salud” (ESCAVIRS). Methodology: A convenience sample of 60 participants was selected with the following inclusion criteria: diagnosis of diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association criteria, both genders, more than 6 months of evolution, and over 45 years of age. The sample was collected from a clinic and private medical offce (“Casa de Salud” [Cuautlancingo, Puebla] and private medical offce located in the “Independencia” neighborhood [Puebla, Puebla]); where the ESCAVIRS was applied during the period May to June 2023. Results: 60 patients were examined, 45 (75%) were female and 15 (25%) were male. 45 patients (75%) have some degree of overweigh/obesity, only 25% of the population is of normal weight, 50% of the patients were overweight and 25% obese. In the ESCAVIRS physical area, the most notable points were: diffculty at work 66% of the cases (28% often, 38% sometimes), diffculty walking 70% (22% often, 48% sometimes), diffculty sleeping 77% (72% often, 5% sometimes). In the psychosocial area, low self-esteem is observed when diagnosed with the disease and is reflected in emotional aspects such as depression, sadness, anger, and worry. In this study, about the area of medical interaction, the deterioration of the doctor-patient and nurse-patient relationship, most of the patients rated this area well. Finally, in the sexual area and the relationship, it was evident in the study that there is a loss of sexual interest, which contributes to poor sexual and relationship dysfunction. Conclusion: The evaluated areas of ESCAVIRS show that patients with T2D treated in these two clinics have a mild degree of deterioration in their quality of life, especially focused on the psychological and physical area.