The Hidden Toll of Type 2 Diabetes: A Quality-of-Life Perspective
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: 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). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of T2DM on the QoL of patients in Sri Lanka. METHODOLOGY: 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. RESULTS: < .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. CONCLUSION: 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.
Authors: Dulanji Gunawardana, Sujatha Salgado, Indeewarie Gunaratna, Dulani Kottahachchi
Institutions: University of Kelaniya, University of Hong Kong
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,500
OpenAlex ID: W4417458618