Assessment of quality of life of type 2 diabetes patients with newly diagnosed non alcoholic fatty liver disease using quality of life instrument for Indian diabetes patients

Abstract

Introduction: Non alcoholic fatty liver disease is emerging as a public health problem among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. It has an impact on quality of life, which is meagrely explored. Aim: To assess quality of life of type 2 diabetes patients with newly diagnosed non alcoholic fatty liver disease. Materials and Methods: Confirmed cases of newly diagnosed non alcoholic fatty liver disease with type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 55) were enrolled. Clinical, anthropometric and medical profiles were assessed. Quality of life was assessed with the help of quality of life instrument for Indian diabetes patients. Results: Weight (P = 0.005) and body mass index (P 0.008) in grade 3 hepatic steatosis were higher than grade 2 steatosis. Physical health deteriorated from grade 1 to grade 3 hepatic steatosis. The mean likert scores decreased significantly (P 0.000) from grade 2 to grade 3 and between grade 1 and grade 3 (P 0.0014) hepatic steatosis in the physical endurance domain. Perceptions regarding general health and treatment satisfaction revealed existing loopholes in the health system and one′s general attitude towards health. The dietary domain was marked with gross dissatisfaction amongst most with hepatic steatosis with a significant reduction in mean likert scale score between grade 1 and grade 2 (P 0.012) of hepatic steatosis. Conclusions: Modifiable domains of quality of life should be addressed as a core component of standard care in newly diagnosed non alcoholic fatty liver disease with type 2 diabetes mellitus to avert future cardiac and hepatic events.