Quality of Life Among Diabetic and Non-diabetic Patients on Maintenance Haemodialysis

Aims: To compare the quality of life of end stage renal disease (ESRD) diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis. Methods: A case-control study of 54 diabetic and 60 non-diabetic patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis. All subjects completed the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF) version 1.3 questionnaire as well as the SF-36 Health Survey (SF-36). Results: When compared to the control nondiabetic group, physical health was significantly impaired in diabetic dialysis patients (P < 0.005) and staff encouragement was significantly worse (P < 0.05). In both groups, all other compounds of the SF-46 and variables related to kidney disease were similar. Conclusions: To improve diabetic haemodialysis patients' quality of life, physical activity should be incorporated to the routine dialysis care and health care professionals should support them more intensively.