Patient-reported outcomes between patients with young-onset type 2 and type 1 diabetes mellitus: results from the Taiwan diabetes registry

Young-onset type 2 diabetes (YOD) is associated with earlier microvascular complications and higher mortality compared to type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remains unclear. To compare HRQoL between adults with YOD and T1D in Taiwan, accounting for demographic and lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and diabetes goal attainment. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the Taiwan Diabetes Registry (October 2015–August 2018). HRQoL was assessed at enrollment with the EuroQol EQ-5D instrument. Differences in visual analog scale (VAS) scores and ratios of disutility scores derived from EQ-5D index values were estimated using multivariable linear regression and marginalized two-part regression models. Diabetes-specific HRQoL was assessed using the Diabetes-Related Distress Questionnaire (DRDQ). A total of 1,442 adults were included (603 YOD, 839 T1D). YOD patients had lower VAS scores than T1D patients (71.5 vs. 75.6, p < 0.0001), and the difference remained statistically significant after adjustment. Stratified analysis revealed that this difference was most pronounced among patients within the first five years of diagnosis. Disutility scores did not differ significantly. Compared with T1D patients, YOD patients reported lower levels of diabetes-related distress on the DRDQ. YOD is associated with modestly lower generic HRQoL, particularly within the first five years of diagnosis, whereas T1D patients reported greater diabetes-related distress. These findings highlight distinct challenges in younger-onset diabetes and underscore the need for longitudinal research to clarify their clinical relevance. Not applicable.