Quality of life in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy with increased physical activity

Abstract

The aim: Is to investigate the impact of comprehensive treatment on diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) patients’ quality of life by including rehabilitation approaches with increased physical activity in standard drug treatment regimens. Materials and methods: 117 patients with type 2 diabetes and DPN were examined. The patients under examination were divided into 4 groups: the control group (group I) included 32 patients who received medicinal (drug) treatment. 12 supplementary daily treatment procedures with polarized light were additionally prescribed to 32 patients of the second experimental group. In addition to drug treatment and polarizing light procedures, 31 patients of group III and 22 patients of group IV were prescribed dosed therapeutic walking 3 times a week №12 (group III) or Nordic walking 3 times a week №12 (group IV). Results: The supplemental use of dosed therapeutic walking and Nordic walking in addition to the protocol treatment regimens contributes to the positive dynamics of quality of life of patients with DPN-complicated type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is confirmed by significant positive dynamics reflected in the following sections of the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire, such as motor (2.3 times, p<0.05), self-care (1.4 times, p<0.05), resumption of normal daily activities (2.9 times p<0.05) reduction of the frequency of discomfort (4.2 times, p<0.05) and anxiety-depressive states (2.7 times, p<0.05). Conclusions: Increased physical activity of patients with DPN significantly affects their life quality and proves to be a clinically effective approach to such patients.