Impact of treatment modalities on quality of life and depression in type 2 diabetes

M.M. Lackovic, M.T. Macvanin, M.M. Obradovic, Z.M. Gluvic, E.M. Sudar-Milovanovic, S.B. Sipetic Grujicic, E.R. Isenovic

Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Clinic for Internal Medicine, Zemun Clinical Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia. emma_crash@yahoo.com

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• Diabetes

OBJECTIVE: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease with numerous complications that increase mortality and reduce the quality of life (QoL). The current study compares QoL in T2DM patients treated with insulin to those treated with oral antihyperglycemics (OAHs), as well as the frequency and severity of depression in patients.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study included 200 patients with insulin or OAHs. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were measured. The Beck Depression Inventory and the SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire were used to assess depression symptoms and QoL in response to different treatment modalities.

RESULTS: Insulin-treated patients have a longer duration of illness, higher preprandial glycemic levels, lower scores in three of four dimensions of the SF-36 physical component, and a lower score in the SF-36 psychological component’s emotional role dimension. Patients on insulin have milder depression symptoms than those with OAHs. Depression symptoms, according to the findings, worsen QoL and glycemic control in insulin-treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS: According to these findings, any treatment modality’s success in T2DM patients primarily depends on psychological support and preventive measures that promote and maintain mental health.

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