Abstract
Background Diabetes mellitus is a significant public health issue globally, with increasing prevalence rates. In Saudi Arabia, a substantial proportion of the adult population is affected. While the impact of diabetes on physical health is well-documented, less is known about its effects on emotional and social well-being in this region. Methods From January to March 2024, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey of 207 individuals with diabetes in Saudi Arabia. The survey, available in Arabic and English, assessed physical symptoms, emotional health, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results The majority of participants were aged 31-45 years (n=63, 30.4%) and female (n=118, 56.9%). Type 2 diabetes was the most common (n=122, 59.1%). Regarding physical health, 34.6% (n=72) rated their health as good while 37.2% (n=77) experienced physical symptoms sometimes and 17.9% (n=37) often. Emotional health challenges were reported by 39.2% (n=81) experiencing anxiety and 33.9% (n=70) experiencing depression. Social interactions were impacted, with 28.6% (n=59) reporting challenges in relationships and 14.3% (n=30) facing significant impacts on recreational activities. Overall quality of life was rated as good by 40.4% (n=83), fair by 29.9% (n=62), and very poor by 4.8% (n=10). Conclusions The study highlights the significant effects of diabetes on the physical, emotional, and social aspects of life in Saudi Arabia. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive care strategies that incorporate medical treatment, emotional support, and social integration to improve the overall quality of life for individuals with diabetes.