The Impact of Co-morbidities on Quality of Life in Diabetic Patients

Ngugi Mwaura J.

School of Natural and Applied Sciences Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that significantly affects individuals’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The presence of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy further complicates the lives of diabetic patients, contributing to physical, emotional, and social burdens. Cardiovascular diseases, often resulting from prolonged hyperglycemia, significantly increase mortality and reduce physical functioning. Diabetic nephropathy, a major cause of chronic kidney disease, leads to progressive kidney damage, requiring complex management. Neuropathy and retinopathy, both of which result from long-term uncontrolled blood sugar, cause pain, disability, and vision impairment, further diminishing HRQoL. Moreover, mental health disorders like depression and anxiety are common among diabetic patients, creating a cycle of poor glycemic control and psychological distress. These comorbidities not only exacerbate the direct impact of diabetes on physical health but also affect mental and social well-being. Addressing both diabetes and its associated comorbidities through comprehensive care, psychosocial support, and lifestyle interventions is crucial for improving the overall quality of life in diabetic patients.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Comorbidities, Quality of life, Diabetic Patients

CITE AS: Ngugi Mwaura J. (2024). The Impact of Co-morbidities on Quality of Life in Diabetic Patients. IDOSR JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES 9(3):41-47. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAS/2024/9.3.4147000