The Relationship Between Activity of Daily Living and Blood Biochemical Factors in Newly Diagnosed Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Approximately 10% of patients with diabetes present with neuropathic complications at the time of diagnosis. Evaluating activities of daily living (ADLs) is an important indicator of overall functional performance. In individuals with diabetic neuropathy, ADL levels often decline due to neurological impairment. Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the relationship between ADLs and biochemical markers in newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: This prospective observational study included 100 patients with T2DM selected using simple random sampling. Serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured at baseline and six months after treatment initiation. Data were collected using a two-part questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, biochemical parameters, and the standardized Barthel Index for ADLs. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v25 with a significance level of P < 0.05. Statistical modeling was based on correlation analysis between biochemical factors and ADL scores. Results: The mean age of participants was 58.5 ± 8 years. Among them 42% were male, and 62% reported a family history of diabetes. During the study, the mean blood biochemical factors decreased; HbA1c decreased from 8.10 to 7.73, triglyceride from 187.12 to 142.03, and cholesterol from 182.09 to 150.70. The amount of ADLs increased from 18.30 to 18.46 six months after diagnosis and treatment of the participants. A significant correlation was found between HbA1c level and ADL score (P < 0.001), whereas correlations between ADL score and cholesterol or triglyceride levels were not significant (P = 0.186 and P = 0.206, respectively). Conclusions: Improved glycemic control, as reflected by lower HbA1c levels, is associated with better functional performance in patients with T2DM. Maintaining optimal HbA1c may help reduce neuropathic complications and enhance ADLs in this population.