[Type I diabetes mellitus: quality of life as a subjective reality in the systemic context]

Quality of life of insulin-dependent diabetics seems to be redefinable because of new findings in diabetology, i.e. more flexible therapy-concepts. Objective quality of life--operationalized by metabolic parameters--stands against subjective assessment by the patient. A comprehensive model of subjective quality of life-assessment of type-I-diabetics is presented. Beside individual assessment-processes also systemic factors are integrated. Finally, consequences for diabetes-care are discussed.