Quality of life in young diabetic patients

Aim: To assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in young diabetic patients. Material and Methods: We studied 30 consecutive (16 male, 14 female; mean age 15.8 years) outpatients affected by Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We used validated clinical, metabolic (HbA(1c)) and patient-oriented (Short Form-36) measurements. Results: Patient-oriented physical scores were significantly related to several clinical and habit features (daily glycaemia and number of insulin administration, dosage of HbA(1c), number of snacks). Interestingly, the number of snacks is associated with better social functioning; furthermore, the mother's educational level is related with physical and mental aspects of the patient's quality of life. Discussion: The patient-oriented measure provides an important perspective of the severity of the disease and suggests new interpretations to conventional biological measurements. This multidimensional study shows that HRQoL is influenced by the metabolic picture. During adolescence a "constant attendance" of the disease, through strict self-control and the high number of therapy administrations, can deteriorate the patient's quality of life. Interestingly, this study indicates the mother's crucial role in the management of the disease during adolescence: the higher the mother's educational level the better the patient's HRQoL probably because she is able to help the child to manage and accept the disease. (C) 2003, Editrice Kurtis.