Abstract

The aim of this review was to describe how quality of life is experienced among patients with diabetes type 2. Literature search was made in Medline and the keywords used were “diabetes mellitus type 2” and “quality of life”. Twenty studies were examined and categorized into four sections: Quality of life during complications due to diabetes type 2, quality of life during various treatments, quality of life during depression and quality of life and aspects in relation to the individual as well as social aspects. The designs of the studies were of a varying kind: randomized controlled studies, comparative studies, correlative studies and descriptive studies. The studies were published between the years of 2003-2007 and most frequently occurring were questionnaires. Validity and reliability of the instruments used in the studies were examined and valued. The number of participants in the samples varied between 49-5145 persons. The results showed that diabetes type 2-complications had a negative impact on quality of life, although different treatments and self-care support had the opposite effect. Other aspects of importance to quality of life were the support of family and relatives, age, sex, education, physical function, civil status and personal background.