HIV infection and diabetes: experience and quality of life in patients with two chronic diseases]

Diabetes mellitus is frequently associated with HIV infection but there's only limited evidence regarding the control and impact of this co-morbidity. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of diabetes, compliance with treatment, perception and quality of life of HIV patients with diabetes.We conducted a cross-sectional study among patients treated for diabetes and registered in the DMI2 databasis in a French university hospital in January 2010. Clinical assessment and follow-up data were collected using chart review and self-administered questionnaires. Quality of life (MOS SF-12) and compliance with treatment (simplified medication adherence questionnaire) were assessed using validated scales.The prevalence of treated diabetes mellitus was 3.9% (29/748, 95% confidence interval, 2.6% to 5.5%). Among these 29 HIV diabetic patients, 93% had a virologic control of HIV infection while only 22% had well-controlled diabetes. Ninety-six percent of patients were scared to die from HIV-which was rated as the main pathology-compared with 71% of patients for diabetes. The mean score for physical quality of life was 43.1 (13.2), which was lower than estimates for overall population. Non-compliance with treatment was reported for 35% of patients.Although anti-retroviral treatments turned HIV infection into a chronic disease, patient perception was not altered. This study shows a better control of HIV infection than diabetes. We have to find out ways (e.g. patient education programs, annual multidisciplinary consultation...) to give the patient a global feel for his health thereby improving prognosis and quality of life.