Influence of the insulin therapy method on the quality of life among adolescents with diabetes mellitus type I

Anna Kubicz
Lucyna Lisowicz
Barbara Surdej
Bartosz Korczowski
ID
Z Instytutu Fizjoterapii Uniwersytetu Rzeszowskiego
Ze Specjalistycznego Oddziału Dziecięcego Szpitala Wojewódzkiego nr 2 w Rzeszowie
Ze Specjalistycznego Oddziału Dziecięcego Szpitala Wojewódzkiego nr 2 w Rzeszowie
Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Gastroenterology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland

Abstract

Type I diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease which places restrictions on everyday life of those who are afflicted. Higher self-discipline is required of diabetic children and adolescents. New treatment options are still being developed to improve the quality of life and to prevent short-term and long-term diabetes related complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the insulin therapy method on the life quality of adolescents with diabetes mellitus type I. Material and method: One hundred three patients aged 10-21 years were included into the study and divided into 2 groups: group A — 46 adolescents using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion by personal insulin pump, and group B — 57 adolescents delivering insulin by multiple daily injections. The patients were asked to respond to 2 questionnaires: PedsQL Generic Core Scales version 4.0 and Diabetes Module PedsQL version 3.0. Results: quality of life greatly differs (p<0,05) between patients using a personal insulin pump and those using multiple daily insulin injections. Conclusion: continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion favorably influence the life quality of young people with diabetes mellitus type I.

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