ASSESSING QUALITY OF LIFE IN TYPE II DIABETES PATIENTS WITH POLYPHARMACY - A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Rasheedunnisa Begum*, Dr. Noorunnisa Begum, Aqsa Ruby, Sara Fatima, Faiza Anjum Saher, Hajera Naseer

ABSTRACT

Background: Diabetes mellitus significantly impacts patients' quality of life through multiple pathways including comorbidities, prolonged disease duration, and polypharmacy. This cross-sectional study assessed demographic patterns, healthcare access, and quality of life parameters among diabetic patients aged 31 to 80 years. Methodology: Data were collected from 324 individuals using structured questionnaires on demographics, comorbidities, medication usage, recent HbA1c levels, Quality of Life measures. Statistical analysis determined variations across age groups in healthcare access, satisfaction, physical functioning, and emotional well-being. Conclusion: Findings revealed that despite moderate healthcare access and frequent monitoring, HbA1c levels remained consistently elevated (>8%) across age groups. Comorbidities such as hypertension and neuropathy were prevalent. Younger individuals exhibited higher satisfaction with personal health, while older groups displayed stronger emotional resilience but faced greater physical limitations. Financial resources, information access, and healthcare services significantly influenced the perceived quality of life. Holistic, age-sensitive approaches focusing on emotional support, financial assistance, and tailored healthcare could improve long-term outcomes for diabetic patients.

Keywords: Diabetes, Quality of Life, Comorbidities.