Physical, Mental, Social—Quality of Life is Indispensable
Impact on overall health and quality of life
(The Impact of DFU on Physical Activity, Mental Well-being, and Quality of Life)
Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU) profoundly affect the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients living with the wound1. Therefore, in addition to considering the pathological condition of the wound, we should also consider the challenges patients face in the following areas
Physical Function
Patients may often have difficulty standing, walking, or climbing stairs, which affects the performance of daily activities. The longer the ulcer persists, the greater the impact on the patient's daily life2.
Pain
Pain from lower limb ulcers affects the patient's physical and mental state, as well as social and leisure activities, making pain control an important intervention1.
Social Function
Due to physical limitations and the need to focus on wound treatment, patients may find it difficult to establish stable social connections. At this time, good social and family support can help reduce the sense of social isolation in DFU patients1.
Mental Health
The pain, poor physical condition, and social isolation faced by DFU patients can all have a negative impact on their mental health1. Compared to diabetic patients without DFU, those with DFU are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety2.
Among DFU patients, the level of quality of life is negatively correlated with amputation and mortality rates4. Therefore, understanding the HRQoL of patients not only helps healthcare providers design personalized care plans but also helps DFU patients recognize changes of their physical and mental conditions over time. This can increase the patient's adherence to diet, exercise prescriptions, and treatments, reduce uncertainty about the disease, and thus lead to a virtuous circle1,2.
Maintaining Quality of Life Starts with Lifestyle Changes：
"New Opportunities for DFU Patients: Blood Sugar Control, Diet, and Exercise"
Clinically, the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) is a widely used brief health survey that covers 8 dimensions, including physical functioning, social functioning, mental health, pain, etc., with only 36 multiple-choice questions to quickly understand a more comprehensive state of the patient's physical and mental health3.
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Reference：
- Khunkaew S et al. Qual Life Res. 2019;28(6):1413-1427.
- Polikandrioti M et al. Int J Low Extrem Wounds. 2020;19(2):165-179.
- Jenkinson C et al. BMJ. 1993;306(6890):1437-1440.
- Siersma V et al. Diabetes Care. 2014;37(3):694-700.