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Diabetes mellitus in the extreme longevity
1Department of Senescence Sciences, University of Catania, Cannizzaro Hospital, Via Messina, 829, I-95126 Catania, Italy. lmotta@unict.it <lmotta@unict.it>
Experimental Gerontology
|August 11, 2007
Summary
Diabetes mellitus is increasing in the elderly due to longer lifespans and better treatments. However, diabetes negatively impacts survival, making it difficult to reach extreme old age.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Endocrinology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is rising in the elderly population.
- Factors contributing to this trend include improved medical treatments and increased life expectancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the prevalence and incidence of diabetes mellitus in different elderly age groups.
- To determine the impact of diabetes on survival in advanced age.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological analysis of diabetes mellitus prevalence and incidence.
- Comparison of diabetes rates between elderly (65-84 years) and long-living individuals (over 90 years).
Main Results:
- Diabetes mellitus prevalence is higher in the elderly (65-84) than in long-living individuals.
- Senile diabetes, typically starting after 90, is prevalent in the very old.
- Newly diagnosed diabetes incidence is higher in the oldest old compared to the elderly.
Conclusions:
- Diabetes mellitus is associated with reduced survival rates.
- The disease poses a significant barrier to achieving extreme longevity, such as becoming a centenarian.
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