Glycaemic Control is Correlated with Well-Being Index (WHO-5) in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes

The aim of this study was to examine the potential correlation of WHO-5 well-being index with glycaemic control and chronic complications in subjects with type 2 diabetes. The study included 156 subjects (73 men, mean age 64.05±9.11 years, mean diabetes duration 12.22±5.61 years). Well-being was assessed by the WHO-5 score via a validated questionnaire comprising 5 questions (Q1-Q5). HbA1c showed a significant negative correlation with overall WHO-5 score (rs=0.248, p=0.002) and individual Q1Q4 scores (rs=0.262, p=0.001; rs=0.248, p=0.002; rs=0.207, p=0.009 and rs=0.169, p=0.035 respectively). Subjects with adequate glycaemic control (HbA1c<7%, n=67) had a significantly higher WHO-5 score in comparison to those with inadequate glycaemic control (HbA1c7%, n=89) (mean±SD: 19.69±5.47 vs. mean±SD: 17.11±6.38, p=0.011). Finally, WHO-5 score was significantly (p=0.013) lower in subjects with neuropathic pain than in those without neuropathic pain. Conclusions: In type 2 diabetic subjects, glycaemic control shows a significant correlation with well-being, while neuropathic pain is associated with lower well-being score. © J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart.