Type 2 Diabetes Research Reveals Insights into Lived Experiences of Diverse Populations

Strategic Insights -

Research published in Quality of Life Research discusses the validity and responsiveness of the EQ-5D-3L in racial and ethnic minority populations with type 2 diabetes and elevated hemoglobinA1c (HbA1c). The study evaluated the convergent validity and responsiveness of the EQ-5D-3L in 221 individuals with type 2 diabetes. The researchers analyzed clinical (HbA1c, systolic blood pressure [SBP], body mass index [BMI]), psychological (diabetes-related distress, depressive symptoms), and health-related quality of life (HRQL) data collected at baseline and every 6 months for 2 years. The study found that EQ-5D index score was insensitive to improvements in clinical measures but sensitive to improvements in psychological measures over time.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study evaluated the convergent validity and responsiveness of the EQ-5D-3L in racial and ethnic minority populations with type 2 diabetes and elevated HbA1c.
  • The researchers analyzed clinical (HbA1c, SBP, BMI), psychological (diabetes-related distress, depressive symptoms), and HRQL data collected at baseline and every 6 months for 2 years.
  • The study found that EQ-5D index score was insensitive to improvements in clinical measures but sensitive to improvements in psychological measures over time.
  • The EQ-5D-3L captured variations in BMI and psychological measures but not in HbA1c and SBP.
  • The study provides HRQL estimates that can be compared with other populations or studies.
  • Mrinmayee Joshi, A. Simon Pickard, Kibum Kim, Lisa K. Sharp, and Ben S. Gerber were the authors of the study, with Mrinmayee Joshi at the University of Illinois having received funding from the NIH National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Statistics:

  • 221 individuals with type 2 diabetes were analyzed in the study.
  • HbA1c and SBP levels did not differ across those reporting varying levels of problems in any EQ-5D dimension.
  • Individuals with higher BMI were more likely to report problems with mobility, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression (55.9%).
  • DDS4 scores were moderately correlated with EQ-5D anxiety/depression dimension and index score, while PHQ-9 scores were strongly correlated with both (r = 0.63, p < 0.001).
  • EQ-5D index score was insensitive to improvements in clinical measures (HbA1c, SBP) but sensitive to improvements in psychological measures (DDS4, PHQ-9) over time.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Investigators from University of Illinois Report New Data on Type 2 Diabetes (Health-related Quality of Life In Racial and Ethnic Minority Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: Validity and Responsiveness of the Eq-5d-3l). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. November 1, 2025; p 213.
  • Health-related Quality of Life In Racial and Ethnic Minority Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: Validity and Responsiveness of the Eq-5d-3l. Quality of Life Research, 2025.
  • Quality of Life Research can be contacted at: Springer, Van Godewijckstraat 30, 3311 GZ Dordrecht, Netherlands. (Springer - www.springer.com; Quality of Life Research - www.springerlink.com/content/0962-9343/)
  • NIH National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)