Self-assessed Quality of Life and Metabolic Control in Persons with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM)

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyse the association between satisfaction with life and glycosylated haemoglobulin (HbA1). A quality of life questionnaire was administered to 247 persons with IDDM at a Diabetic Clinic in Bergen, Norway. The material was divided into two groups depending on their level of HbA1; HbA1 greater than 0.09 was labelled poorly regulated and a level of HbA1 less than or equal to 0.09 was labelled well regulated. The groups were compared with regard to different life domains and well-being scales. The statistical analysis showed that the well-regulated group had significantly higher average scores considering the somatic and activity/behavioural life domain ratings, the latter being only significantly different among people with higher education. The well-regulated group had lower average scores in the psychological and social life domain ratings, but these differences were not statistically significant. Among the well-being scales we found a statistically significant difference between poor and well-regulated persons only regarding sociability and loneliness. Well-regulated persons felt on average less sociable and more lonely than poorly-regulated persons.