Quality of Life and Its Influencing Factors among Older Adults with Diabetes Mellitus in Korea

Background: This study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) of older adults with diabetes in Korea and to identify the factors influencing their QoL.Methods: A total of 1,887 individuals aged ≥65 years with diabetes (weighted n=8,305,093) from the 7th–8th (2018–2020) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were analyzed. Considering the complex sampling design, descriptive statistical analyses, independent t-tests, analysis of variance, and multiple regression analyses were performed.Results: The mean EQ‑5D index score was 0.87 (±0.01). Among the five EQ‑5D dimensions, self-care had the highest proportion of participants reporting “no problems” (86.6%), whereas mobility had the lowest proportion (57.5%). Significant factors associated with QoL included economic activity (B=0.02, p＜.001), chewing difficulty (B=−0.04, p＜.001), activity limitations (B=−0.10, p＜.001), and aerobic physical activity (B=0.04, p＜.001). In particular, all mental health variables—including perceived health status (B=−0.08, p＜.001), perceived stress (B=−0.03, p＜.021), and depression (B=−0.13, p＜.001)—showed significant associations with QoL. The final regression model explained 40.7% of the variance in QoL (Adj. R2=40.7, p＜.001).Conclusions: The QoL of older adults with diabetes may be influenced not only by physical health, but also by psychological well-being. Therefore, integrated nursing interventions that promote physical activity, maintain oral health, and enhance mental health are essential for improving the QoL in this population.