Latent Profile Analysis of Fatigue Subtypes in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

People with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) commonly report a higher fatigue intensity than the general population. However, effective fatigue management is lacking because little is known about other fatigue characteristics, including timing, distress, and quality, as well as the potential fatigue subtypes experienced in people with T2DM.

This study aims to describe fatigue intensity, timing, distress, and quality and to identify fatigue subtypes in people with T2DM.

This cross-sectional, descriptive study included a sample of 150 participants with T2DM recruited from two diabetes outpatient clinics in Taiwan. Fatigue intensity, timing, and distress were measured using the Fatigue Symptom Inventory. Fatigue quality was measured using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory. Fatigue subtypes were identified using a latent profile analysis.

Participants reported a mild fatigue intensity, experiencing fatigue for about 22% of the day with worse fatigue in the afternoon and evening and having mild disturbances. Three fatigue subtypes were identified. The "high/persistent fatigue with mild distress" subtype was characterized by high fatigue intensity and duration with severe general, physical, and mental fatigue that mildly interfered with functioning. The "moderate/frequent fatigue with minimal distress" group showed moderate levels of fatigue intensity and duration levels with intermediate of general, physical, and mental fatigue and minimal fatigue disturbances. The "no fatigue and distress" subtype was characterized by overall low fatigue scores.

We identified fatigue characteristics and subtypes in people with T2DM, providing insights into better fatigue management. People with T2DM reported having mild but persistent fatigue. The latent profile analysis revealed that fatigue is likely composed of a mixture of physical and mental components. Nurses should assess both the physical and the mental aspects of fatigue while addressing features of the fatigue characteristics in tailored management strategies to alleviate all aspects of fatigue in people with T2DM.