The health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was studied in non-insulin-dependent diabetic (NIDDM) patients aged under 65 years, compared with age-and gender-matched controls, with the Medical Outcomes Study short-form (SF-20) general measure.

Of 260 NIDDM patients and their 260 controls, 254 (98%) and 177 (68%), respectively, completed the SF-20.

Among NIDDM patients, mean age was 56.3 (SD 6.9) years, BMI 30.4 (SD 5.5) kg/m2 and HbA1c 8.6% (SD 2.0%). The mean scores of six SF-20 dimensions were 11-27% lower in the NIDDM patients than in the controls (P<0.01).

Obesity, longer duration of diabetes, insulin treatment and impaired visual acuity were associated with poor HRQOL.

In logistic regression analysis with the entire study population, existence of diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD) and other macrovascular diseases were associated with impaired physical (OR 3.8-7.4), role (OR 2.2-2.8) and social (OR 2.2-2.8) functioning and health perception (OR 2.4-3.7).

Diabetes was also associated with impaired mental health (OR 2.8).

No associations were found between HRQOL and gender, age or marital status.

NIDDM patients had significant and major impairments in HRQOL compared with non-diabetic controls, which were mainly due to macrovascular diseases.