QUALITY-OF-LIFE, PERCEIVED DIFFICULTIES IN ADHERENCE TO A DIABETES REGIMEN, AND BLOOD-GLUCOSE CONTROL

The first aim of the present study was to investigate if self-assessed quality of life was associated with perceived difficulties in adherence to a regimen, and the second, if perceived difficulties in adherence were associated with poor blood glucose control. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 247 patients with Type 1 diabetes who consecutively attended a Norwegian diabetes clinic. Results from multiple linear regression analysis indicated that a higher level of quality of life was associated with greater perceived ease of adherence to the regimen. Adherence to control of smoking, increased physical exercise, and control of weight and diet were perceived as most difficult. Analysis of covariance showed that women who perceived difficulties in adherence to self-care behaviour had on average less satisfactory blood glucose control than those reporting less difficulty in adherence.