Poor blood sugar control is associated with psychological distress and lower health-related quality of life in type 2 diabetes patients

[rvmasalvad]

Poor blood sugar control is associated with psychological distress and lower health-related quality of life in type 2 diabetes patients

Aside from physical symptoms, diabetes can impact patients psychologically, as treatment involves making lifestyle changes. Such changes include taking medication, controlling blood sugar and making changes to diet and exercise levels. This can cause psychological distress (feelings of hopelessness, irritability etc.). It can also negatively impact on the behavior of patients (for example, activity levels and eating control). Psychological distress can cause poorer blood sugar control and lessen health-related quality of life. Health-related quality of life can predict the usage of health services as well as survival rates. Therefore, it is important to determine the impacting factors.

This study aimed to determine factors associated with psychological distress, behavioral impact and health-related quality of life in type 2 diabetes patients.

Poorer blood sugar control was associated with a higher level of diabetes-related distress, but not distress due to major depressive disorder. An association with worse scores for health-related quality of life was also found.

Females had significantly higher psychological distress scores than males. Similarly, older patients had higher scores than younger patients. Furthermore, it was found that taking oral drugs in combination with insulin (as opposed to either insulin or oral drugs) had a behavioral impact on patients.

The authors concluded that poor blood sugar control was associated with higher levels of psychological distress and lower scores for health-related quality of life in type 2 diabetes patients. The authors suggest that new approaches to improving blood sugar control, without causing patient distress, are required.

Consult your doctor if you are concerned about the impact of type 2 diabetes on your mental health or your health-related quality of life.

This information is collected from article written by midviIzor research team

medivizor.com/view_article/...

[Luckysugar]

It's quite obvious that low/poor glycemic control among diabetics either T2 or T1 leads to psychological distress. People become more depressed, confused and irritated from having difficulties controlling BSL. This issue can definitely worsen diabetes conditions. In this situation, we need to seek not only medical advice from health professionals but also emotional support from health care team or diabetes support groups including families and friends. However, we can avoid or minimise these psychological distress by adhering to our diabetes care plan and try to keep BSL in control.

[HOBIEONE in reply to Luckysugar]

Well done for pointing out T1 OR T2. BG on target is good for all. Its hard work at times but worth doing. From a T1 for more than 50 odd years. Good luck.

[Luckysugar in reply to HOBIEONE]

You are exactly right HOBIEONE that it is really worth doing in maintaining BG on the right track. This way is not only safeguards us from complications but allowing us to live with diabetes with minimal or without psychological distress. Hence, eventually improve our quality of life. Therefore everyone should work hard to keep BG in control as the outcome is a lifetime reward.