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Table 1 Health state descriptions characterising mild, moderate and severe impact of postprandial glucose (PPG) control on health-related quality of life (HRQOL)

From: A utility valuation study assessing the impact of postprandial glucose control on quality of life of individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes

Health state

Description

Mild impact of PPG control symptoms on HRQOL

You have a chronic, long-term condition which requires you to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly at mealtimes. This typically involves pricking your finger with a needle to draw a drop of blood. You occasionally need to visit a clinic for a check-up.

You do not usually experience any issues after eating although you can occasionally find yourself feeling slightly more tired than usual.

You are capable of socializing normally but need to monitor what you eat and drink.

You are able to exercise normally but you need to monitor your blood sugar levels more carefully when doing so.

Moderate impact of PPG control symptoms on HRQOL

You have a chronic, long-term condition which requires you to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly at mealtimes. This typically involves pricking your finger with a needle to draw a drop of blood. You occasionally need to visit a clinic for a check-up.

After eating, your increased blood sugar can make you feel thirsty and you may visit the toilet more often than usual. You can also feel tired and need to rest. Occasionally you find it hard to concentrate.

You may find it difficult to complete household chores or other usual activities and need to take regular breaks whilst your sugar levels remain high.

Your blood sugar levels can interfere with seeing family and friends. You need to carefully monitor what you eat and drink. You need to limit strenuous physical activities such as sports and you may not feel comfortable driving.

You are irritable sometimes after eating. You can experience depression due to your condition and the need to monitor your blood glucose levels regularly.

Severe impact of PPG control symptoms on HRQOL

You have a chronic, long-term condition which requires you to monitor your blood sugar levels several times in the day. This typically involves pricking your finger with a needle to draw a drop of blood. You regularly need to visit a clinic for a check-up.

After eating, your increased blood sugar usually makes you feel thirsty and you need visit the toilet more often than usual. As a result of going to the toilet more you may not sleep well at night and feel tired the next day. You frequently feel tired and need to rest. You often find it hard to concentrate and can experience periods of blurred vision.

You find it difficult to complete household chores or other usual activities and need to take regular breaks whilst your sugar levels remain high. You need to avoid strenuous physical activities.

Your blood sugar levels can interfere with seeing family and friends. You need to very carefully monitor what you eat and drink. You need to avoid participating in physical exercise such as sports and you may not feel comfortable driving.

You are often irritable after eating. You feel depressed due to your condition and the need to monitor your blood glucose levels very regularly.