Objective

The aim of this study was to compare health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between type 2 diabetic patients with and without locomotive syndrome, which is a risk for becoming bedridden because of deteriorating locomotive organs.

Subjects and methods

A total of 135 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (69.2 ± 10.2 years) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. HRQOL was evaluated by the Euro-QOL-5 (EQ-5D), and locomotive syndrome was evaluated by “loco-check,” established the Japanese Orthopedic Association. Clinical data, such as anthropometric parameters, blood and urine examination results, blood pressure (BP), drug usage, and psychological distress, were analyzed.

Results

Average HbA1c in all patients was 7.2 ± 1.0 %, and 74 patients (54.8 %) were identified as having the locomotive syndrome. EQ-5D scores were significantly lower in type 2 diabetic patients with locomotive syndrome than in those without locomotive syndrome, even after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and HbA1c. By the multiple regression analysis, locomotive syndrome and age were identified as determinant factors of HRQOL in type 2 diabetic patients.

Conclusion

In type 2 diabetic patients, lower HRQOL was a characteristic feature of subjects with locomotive syndrome, even after adjusting for confounding factors. Prevention or management of locomotive syndrome may be beneficial for improving HRQOL in type 2 diabetic patients.