Impact of Disease-Specific Counseling on Quality of Life and Glycemic Control in Different Types of Diabetes

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with metabolic complications and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). While pharmacological therapy remains central to management, structured counseling may provide additional benefits. This study evaluated the impact of counseling on glycemic control and HRQoL among individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and pancreatic DM.

Methods: This prospective interventional study included 150 adults with diabetes (T1DM: 30%, T2DM: 54%, pancreatic DM: 16%). Baseline assessments comprised glycemic parameters and HRQoL, measured using the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. Participants received individualized counseling on diet, exercise, medication adherence, and self-care, with follow-up assessments after 3 months.

Results: Significant improvements were observed in glycemic control and HRQoL. Mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) decreased from 11.06±2.15% to 10.52±2.55% (P = 0.002), and random blood sugar declined from 303.9 ± 29.8 mg/dL to 263.3 ± 60.5 mg/dL (P < 0.001). The SF-36 Physical Component Score improved from 37.4 ± 12.8 to 39.4 ± 13.3 (P < 0.001), and the SF-36 Mental Component Score increased from 29.1 ± 13.3 to 33.1 ± 12.7 (P < 0.001). The greatest improvements were observed in T2DM, whereas pancreatic DM patients showed comparatively modest gains.

Conclusions: Structured, disease-specific counseling significantly enhanced both glycemic control and SF-36-derived HRQoL scores. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating counseling interventions into routine, patient-centered diabetes care.