Geriatric conditions develop in middle-aged adults with diabetes
Christine T Cigolle1, Pearl G Lee, Kenneth M Langa
1Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, 300 N. Ingalls, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2007, USA. ccigolle@umich.edu
Journal of General Internal Medicine
|September 30, 2010
Summary
Middle-aged and older adults with diabetes face a higher risk of developing geriatric conditions. Early monitoring for these conditions in adults with diabetes is recommended to mitigate morbidity and functional impairment.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Geriatric conditions are common in older adults and contribute to complex health status.
- Diabetes mellitus is known to co-occur with geriatric conditions and may influence their development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and incidence of geriatric conditions in middle-aged and older adults with diabetes mellitus.
- To examine the association between diabetes and the development of specific geriatric conditions.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (2004 and 2006).
- Inclusion of 18,908 respondents aged 51 years and older.
- Assessment of diabetes mellitus and eight geriatric conditions (cognitive impairment, falls, incontinence, low BMI, dizziness, vision/hearing impairment, pain).
Main Results:
- Adults with diabetes exhibited increased prevalence and incidence of geriatric conditions across all age groups (51-79 years) compared to those without diabetes.
- The disparity between diabetic and non-diabetic adults was most pronounced in middle age.
- Diabetes was significantly associated with the cumulative incidence of new geriatric conditions (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.6-2.0), with a decreasing association as age increased.
Conclusions:
- Middle-aged and older adults with diabetes are at elevated risk for geriatric conditions, exacerbating morbidity and functional impairment.
- Findings indicate a need for earlier monitoring of geriatric conditions in adults with diabetes than previously recognized.
- This research underscores the importance of integrated care for diabetes and geriatric health.
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