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Diabetes in the elderly in a developing country.
D J Fernando1, C E de Silva, S F Nanayakkara
1Sri Jayawardenepura General Hospital, Talapathpitiya, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Diabetes in the elderly is a significant health issue in Sri Lanka, causing increased hospital admissions and complications. This study highlights the need for better health planning for older diabetic patients.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus in the elderly is often overlooked in developing countries.
- Health planners frequently underestimate the prevalence and impact of diabetes in older populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of diabetes mellitus complications in elderly patients (aged 60 and over).
- To determine the frequency of hospital admissions among elderly diabetic patients in Sri Lanka.
- To compare morbidity rates in elderly diabetics versus age- and gender-matched controls.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patients in a hospital diabetic clinic in Sri Lanka.
- Inclusion of patients aged 60 and over.
- Comparison with age- and gender-matched control groups.
Main Results:
- Elderly diabetic patients constituted 23% of clinic attendees but accounted for 46% of hospital admissions.
- Increased prevalence of coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, and visual impairment was observed in elderly diabetics compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Diabetes mellitus in the elderly is a substantial contributor to morbidity in Sri Lanka.
- The findings challenge the notion that diabetes in the elderly is uncommon in developing nations.
- Urgent attention and resources are needed for managing diabetes in older adults.