Epidemiological, quality of life and mental health aspects in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Worldwide Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and its complications have a profound impact on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and mental health. The magnitude of this health problem has not been fully explored in Saudi Arabia and its adjacent Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. One study in this thesis identified the Medical Outcomes Short Form 12-item Version 2 (SF-12v2) to be the most appropriate for evaluating HRQoL and mental health aspects in people with T2DM. Another retrospective study conducted on 3,972 patients with T2DM at a tertiary care hospital in Jeddah, showed that 74.7% had T2DM-related complications. Findings highlighted that males, age > 45 years, poorly controlled high glycosylated haemoglobin test (HbA1c), elevated cholesterol levels and high Body Mass Index (BMI) significantly increase the risk of developing T2DM-related complications. A cross-sectional survey among people with T2DM in Jeddah, using the SF-12v2 as a measurement tool, demonstrated that below-average Mental Component Summary (MCS) score, Physical Component Summary (PCS) score, females, poorly controlled HbA1c, high cholesterol, long T2DM duration and low socioeconomic status or monthly income increased the risk of having T2DM-related complications. Another survey evaluated physician perspectives on HRQoL and mental health when treating patients with T2DM. Results indicated the need for raising awareness among physicians about HRQoL and mental health problems when treating patients with T2DM. Collectively, these research studies shed light on the magnitude of the T2DM problem in the Saudi population. They underscore the need for more practical and effective partnerships between healthcare policymakers/decision-makers and physicians. Health promotion, community-based and preventive strategies to improve HRQoL and mental health aspects in people with T2DM and specifically those with T2DM-related complications are required.