Diabetes Changes Symptoms Cluster Patterns in Persons Living With HIV

Area of Science:

• Medical research
• Public health
• Chronic disease management

Background:

• 10-15% of people living with HIV (PLWH) also have diabetes mellitus (DM).
• Both HIV and DM are chronic conditions with significant symptom burden.
• Dual diagnosis of HIV and DM presents unique challenges in symptom management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe symptom patterns in PLWH with comorbid DM (PLWH+DM).
• To analyze the prevalence, burden, and bothersomeness of symptoms in PLWH+DM.
• To identify symptom clusters in PLWH+DM using a large dataset.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a large secondary dataset from routine clinic visits in 2015.
• Assessed symptoms using the 20-item HIV Symptom Index.
• Employed principal component analysis to identify symptom clusters.

Main Results:

• Identified three primary symptom clusters: neurological/psychological, gastrointestinal/flu-like, and physical changes.
• Most prevalent symptoms included fatigue, poor sleep, aches, neuropathy, and sadness.
• Symptom clustering differed in PLWH+DM compared to PLWH without DM.

Conclusions:

• Symptom patterns in PLWH+DM are distinct and influenced by the comorbid condition.
• Clinicians must consider both HIV and DM when assessing patient symptoms.
• Tailored symptom assessment is vital for managing patients with co-occurring HIV and diabetes.