Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and impaired quality of life (QOL). Insulin therapy is central to glycaemic control in advanced disease but poses psychosocial and practical challenges. This study evaluated QOL among insulin-treated T2DM patients in tertiary care hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient and inpatient departments of hospitals affiliated with Medical College in south Asian city. Total 272 patients aged >30 years with T2DM on insulin therapy for ≥3 months were included. Patients with type 1 diabetes or on oral therapy alone were excluded. Data on demographics, comorbidities, HbA1c, and complications were collected. QOL was assessed using the Quality-of-Life Instrument in Indian Diabetic Patients (QOLID), and barriers to insulin therapy were measured with the BITQ questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v25, with p50 years and 61% were female. Neuropathy (18%) was the most common complication. Overall QOL score averaged 126.36 ± 21.69, with lowest scores in role limitation (19.40), physical endurance (19.25), and emotional health (15.58). Patients on combination therapy (insulin plus oral agents) reported better physical endurance and overall QOL compared to insulin-only users, though financial burden was greater. Complications and poor glycemic control (HbA1c) significantly worsened QOL across domains. Conclusion: Insulin-treated T2DM patients experience moderate impairment in QOL, influenced by complications, poor glycaemic control, and financial and psychological burdens. A holistic, patient-centred approach incorporating medical, psychosocial, and economic support is essential to improve outcomes.
Shirali et al. (Tue,) studied this question.