Abstract
Background: Living with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) as a chronic condition significantly affects a person's quality of life (QoL). Poorly managed blood sugar levels and other health issues can increase the risk of diabetic foot complications (DFCs) and decrease the patient's QoL. Diabetes mellitus is a lifelong disease that can be emotionally and physically burdensome. It is essential to regularly assess the patient's QoL, as uncontrolled DM can lead to complications that affect vital organs and the lower limbs—making it challenging to follow treatment plans. There is no empirical data on the QoL of diabetic patients with or without foot complications in South Africa. Aim: This study aimed to investigate, document, and describe the QoL of diabetic patients with or without diabetic foot complications (DFCs) who presented at primary healthcare clinics in Ekurhuleni. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional descriptive design using quantitative methods. The researcher used a modified questionnaire to collect data, which was piloted before being used in the study. Results: The study had 284 diabetic patients participated across the four clinics. The findings show that 52.2% (n=149) of the participants presented with complications. Retinopathy, 32.7% (n=93) and neuropathy, 31% (n=88), were the most reported complications. The results showed that only participants who presented with DFCs and diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) had poor quality of life due to concerns about the presence of the DFU and possible lower extremity amputation. This study highlighted other coexisting chronic diseases; the QoL diminished in 50% of the participants presented with hypertension 59.9%(n=169), poor eyesight 32.7%(n=93) and HIV/AIDS 30.6% (n=87).
Conclusion: This study found that only patients with DFCs had concerns and diminished QoL compared to participants without DFCs. Assessment of diabetic patients is critical, and this should be done based on their overall health and risk stratification. Healthcare practitioners must have a clear strategy and approach when treating diabetic patients to enable them to cope with DM and sustain long-term health and well-being.