Relationship between quality of life and the metabolic- nutritional profile of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Knowing the quality of life and life satisfaction among the diabetic population can help in the development of food and nutritional education strategies, public policies related to food and nutritional security, as well as result additional benefits to this population. Thus, the objective of the study was to assess the relationship between quality and satisfaction of life and the metabolic-nutritional profile of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A cross-sectional study was carried out with patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus from an outpatient endocrinology clinic of the University Hospital in Curitiba, Paraná. Quality of life was measured by the Problem Area in Diabetes (PAID) scale and the satisfaction of life by the Satisfaction with Life (SWL) instrument. Nutritional status was assessed by Body Mass Index and waist circumference. Glycemic control was assessed by a glycosylated hemoglobin test. To verify associations between the variables, we applied the chi-square and the t-test, when relevant. A total of 69 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus were assessed. Good quality and satisfaction of life were found in the study; however, nutritional status and glycemic control were found to be inadequate. There was no relationship of emotional distress associated with diabetes, or life satisfaction with the metabolic and nutritional profile. Early interventions are suggested concerning the improvement of the nutritional status and glycemic control of this population with the interest of avoiding micro and macro vascular complications, which may compromise their quality and satisfaction of life.