Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.57140/mj.52.3.2

Connection between glycemic variability obtained using the UniGluko system and the quality of life people with type 1 diabetes

Marija Barišić ; Health and veterinary high school "Dr. Andrija Štampar", Vinkovci, Croatia; University of Osijek "Josip Juraj Strossmayer", Faculty of dental medicine and health, Osijek, Croatia
Silvija Canecki-Varžić ; University Hospital Centre Osijek, Croatia; "Josip Juraj Strossmayer" University of Osijek, Faculty of medicine Osijek, Croatia
Štefica Mikšić ; "Josip Juraj Strossmayer" University of Osijek, Faculty of medicine Osijek, Croatia
Antonija Matić ; Osijek-Baranja County health care, Osijek, Croatia
Daria Sladić Rimac ; "Josip Juraj Strossmayer" University of Osijek, Faculty of medicine Osijek, Croatia; University Hospital Centre Osijek, Croatia
Alkeksandar Včev ; "Josip Juraj Strossmayer" University of Osijek, Faculty of dental medicine and health Osijek, Croatia

Abstract

Research has shown that glycemic variability increases the risk of the development of acute and chronic
complications with diabetes. Accordingly, the assessment of glycemic variability is of great importance to
determine the quality of life for people suffering from diabetes.
Objective: To examine the connection between glycemic variability and the quality of life for people
with type 1 diabetes who use self-monitoring blood glucose devices.
Respondents and methods: 42 respondents participated in the research with an average age of 39.6, who
are treated with intensified insulin therapy. For the purpose of glycemic variability assessment, an
innovative uniGluko system is used, which enables the display of glycemia in a unique graphic interface in
the form of numeric values within the last three months from which a glycemic variability index was
calculated as well as a general information survey, a survey on the quality of life from the World Health
Organization (WHOQOL – BREF) and a short questionnaire regarding illness perception (Brief – IPQ).
Results: By usage of standard deviation as a glyemic variability measure, statistically significant results
have been obtained and they demonstrate that lower glycemic variability is connected to better quality of life
(rs=-0.4571; p=0.0023), higher satisfaction with health (rs=-0.3186; p=0.0398) and reduced impact of
disease on emotional life (rs=0.4097; p=0.,0071). Lower glucose variability implies reduced impact of
disease on everyday life (rs=0.3091; p=0.0464), reduced incidence of symptoms (rs=0.3441; p=0.0255), and
patients’ sense that they have more control over disease (rs=-0.5185; p=0.0004).
Conclusion: The glycemic variability has a negative impact on life quality and health of patients with
diabetes type 1.

Keywords

diabetes mellitus; glycemic variability; quality of life

Hrčak ID:

288326

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/288326

Publication date:

21.12.2022.

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