Abstract:

This study examines relationships between quality of life (QoL) and clinical outcomes, specifically A1C, in Type 2 diabetes patients. Type 2 diabetes patients at the outpatient clinics of a university hospital completed the SF-12 and the Audit of Diabetes Dependent Quality of Life (ADDQoL), and this was merged with a retrospective collection of his/her clinical and utilization data, including A1C. Usable response rate was 44.3% (n = 385). Mean A1C of respondents was 7.2 (+1.4), mean diabetes duration was 10.2 (+9.1), and 62.1% were obese. Only ADDQoL scores showed significant correlation with A1C (r = -0.19, p < 0.000). Hierarchical regression models were used to explain the effect of A1C on QoL controlling for demographics and clinical variables. A1C was not a significant predictor in any regression model, although univariate analyses indicated significantly lower ADDQoL and SF-12 PCS in the group with A1C > 7.0. Obesity was a significant predictor in models explaining only the PCS and MCS scores. These results support complementary use of generic and disease-specific QoL measures in Type 2 diabetes populations. Patient's perceptions of their own life may differ from what a biomedical measure like A1C suggests.