Comparison of Health Outcomes in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis

Abstract

Though several studies have assessed Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and factors affecting HRQoL in maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients, there are limited data about health outcomes in diabetic and non-diabetic patients on MHD in Indian setup. The study aimed to compare Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis (MHD), to assess the effect of patient education on HRQoL, and factors affecting HRQoL in diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing MHD. This eight month prospective interventional study on ambulatory haemodialysis patients assessed HRQoL using the kidney disease quality of life (KDQoL^TM-36) questionnaire at baseline, 3 months and 6 months. Comprehensive patient education was provided to patients during study period. Patient responses to questionnaire were compared between baseline and two follow-ups for all patients and between diabetic and non-diabetic patients.89 patients were enrolled into this study and 69 (30 diabetics and 39 non-diabetics) were followed up. The mean age of the study population was 46 12 years. It was observed non-diabetic patients had better HRQoL than diabetic patients undergoing MHD. An improvement in HRQoL from baseline was observed after providing patient education. Male gender (p=0.032), high school education or lesser (p=0.049), smoking history (p=0.031) and dialysis for < three years (p=0.035) were factors with significant influence on HRQoL. Non-diabetic patients had better HRQoL when compared to diabetic patients undergoing MHD. Patient care focussed on factors contributing to lower HRQoL in patients undergoing MHD may improve health outcomes.