Quality of life among patients with type 2 diabetes after insulin therapy introduction: A prospective study

Abstract

Introduction. In case of many patients with type 2 diabetes, despite deterioration of glycaemic control the moment of intensification of treatment is delayed because of barriers to initiating insulin therapy. Aim. The aim of the study was an evaluation of changes on Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) after intensification of the treatment among group of type 2 diabetes patients.

Methods. The study involved 52 patients, treated so far by oral anti-diabetic drugs (OAD), for whom insulin was introduced. This group was exposed to 8 (± 1.5) months long observation. HRQoL was measured with questionnaires: EQ-5D, DQL-BCI and DSC-R.

Results. After prospective observation, patients described significant improvement in QoL (EQ-VAS, DSC-R). DQL-BCI score remained unchanged, although detailed analysis showed improvement in treatment satisfaction, improvement in the level of knowledge about diabetes and increase in diabetes-related pain.

Conclusions. Our study confirms the improvement in HRQoL after insulin therapy introduction. The results should encourage to early implementation of intensification of treatment.