Evaluation of quality of life and physical activity in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to compare the quality of life, physical activity, anxiety, depression, fear of hypoglycemia, loneliness perception in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and controls. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-four patients and 63 controls were included in this cross-sectional study. Quality of life (Short Form 36-SF-36), physical activity level (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), fear of hypoglycemia (Hypoglycemia Fear Survey), loneliness perception (UCLA Loneliness Scale) were evaluated. RESULTS: Physical role limitations and general health perception subscale scores of SF-36 questionnaire in patients were significantly higher than the controls (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Role limitations due to physical problems and fear of hypoglycemia are increased, and general health perception is impaired in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Physical inactivity is an important symptom in individuals in the pandemic period. In this regard, telerehabilitation approaches will be beneficial for all individuals in increasing physical activity, improving quality of life, and decreasing anxiety, depression and loneliness perception during the pandemic period for all individuals. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach in diabetes management and dealing with problems should be considered in pandemic.