Quality of life in people with Type 2 diabetes; a study in a multi-ethnic clinical trial population

Background: The long-term burden of self-management in type 2 diabetes can impact quality of life. Aims: To examine associations between demographic and clinical factors, anxiety/depression and perception of health in people with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Retrospective analyses of anonymised data from completed clinical trials provided by the diabetes subsection of Virtual International Cardiovascular and Cognitive Trials Archive (VICCTA). Data on demographics, polypharmacy, HbA1c, anxiety/depression (EQ-5D-3L) and perception of health (EQ-5D-3L VAS) were extracted. Regression analyses explored associations amongst polypharmacy, HbA1c and quality of life (anxiety/depression and health perception) at baseline. Results: In 2783 participants with type 2 diabetes (median age 66 years (IQR 61–70), n=1,595 (57%) male), female sex and Caucasian/European ethnicity were each associated with increased anxiety/depression and lower EQ-5D-3L VAS scores. Following adjustment for covariates, each additional prescribed medication was associated with increased anxiety/depression: OR 1.09 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.14; p<0.001) and lower VAS scores: B= −1.06 (95% CI −1.37 to −0.75, p<0.001)). Conclusion: Demographic factors and polypharmacy are associated with anxiety/depression and lower health perception.