Diabetes research links strict glucose control to lower quality of life

New research from the PRO-MENTAL study suggests that stricter glucose control in individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes may negatively impact their daily quality of life. Findings to be presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) annual meeting in Milan indicate that days with more glucose fluctuations—provided they remain within safe limits—are often followed by days with improved quality of life compared to days of strict control.

Led by Professor Dominic Ehrmann of FIDAM, the study utilized continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data paired with daily quality-of-life assessments via the WHO-5 questionnaire. The research, funded by the German Centre for Diabetes Research (DZD), tracked participants over 14 consecutive days, measuring factors such as mood, stress, energy levels, and sleep quality. The results suggest that the burden of maintaining rigid glucose control may prevent patients from engaging in various activities that contribute to overall well-being.