The Hidden Toll of Type 2 Diabetes: A Quality-of-Life Perspective.

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a pressing global health challenge, affecting over 537 million adults in 2021, with projections of 783 million by 2045. In Sri Lanka, approximately 23% of adults are living with diabetes or prediabetes, whilst many undiagnosed, significantly impacting quality of life (QoL). To evaluate the impact of T2DM on the QoL of patients in Sri Lanka. This cross-sectional study included 136 patients with T2DM. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire (sociodemographic and clinical variables) and the WHOQOL-BREF, a validated tool assessing 4 QoL domains: Physical, Psychological, Social, and Environmental. Transformed scores were analyzed statistically across all domains. The sample was predominantly female (74.3%), with a mean age of 62.1 ± 10.3 years and an average diabetes duration of 12 years (1-38 years). Overall QoL was significantly associated with psychological, social, and environmental domains (<i>P</i> < .05). Of the participants, 50.7% (n = 69) reported fair QoL, while 26.5% (n = 36) and 22.8% (n = 31) reported poor and good QoL, respectively. T2DM substantially affects QoL, particularly in psychological, social, and environmental domains. This underscores the need for comprehensive management strategies to address the multifaceted burdens of T2DM and enhance patients' well-being in developing countries like Sri Lanka.