QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG WOMEN WITH GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the life quality level among women who had diabetes diagnosed during their pregnancy, and to define any changes related to a medical treatment of the disease. Another purpose was to indicate a number of factors which have a considerable impact on the quality of life in the study group.

Materials and methodology. The research was performed among 100 patients of the Pregnancy Pathology Department of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic in the University Hospital No. 2 in Bydgoszcz. There was a subjective assessment of patient's life quality used in the study, with a 10-points scale, where 1 means very bad' and 10 - a ‘very good’ life quality.

Results. Subjective assessment of pregnant patient's life quality was good. The average score was 6.9 points in the 1 - 10 scale. Majority (69%) of women with gestational diabetes require application of a diet and insulin therapy simultaneously. Adapting to a new diet seems to be the most difficult for the patients. The less the patients know about the disease, the lower level of life quality they indicate. 174% of pregnant women, who applied insulin a few times a day, were not aware of insulin's function in their body.

Conclusions:

1. Quality of life among pregnant women significantly decreased after they fell ill with diabetes.

2. High quality of life was more frequently indicated by women with a high sense of influence on the course of disease.

3. Women suffering from gestational diabetes need mental support and thorough information due to their emotional condition.