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Abrupt-onset diabetes mellitus in the elderly
K Takamatsu1, T Yorioka, H Kurokawa
1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Kochi Medical School.
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Elderly patients show varied diabetes mellitus onset, with differences in insulin secretion and resistance. Glucose toxicity may explain these diverse presentations in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a growing concern in elderly populations worldwide.
- Understanding the specific mechanisms of diabetes onset in older adults is crucial for effective management.
Observation:
- Three elderly Japanese patients presented with abrupt onset of diabetes mellitus.
- Case 1: 61-year-old male with complete insulin secretion defect, no insulin resistance.
- Case 2: 60-year-old male with incomplete insulin secretion defect and insulin resistance.
- Case 3: 69-year-old female with complete insulin secretion defect and insulin resistance.
Findings:
- The cases highlight significant heterogeneity in both insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity among elderly individuals with abrupt-onset diabetes mellitus.
- Observed variations include complete vs. incomplete insulin secretion defects and the presence or absence of insulin resistance.
Implications:
- These findings suggest that abrupt-onset diabetes mellitus in the elderly is not a monolithic condition.
- Glucose toxicity over time may contribute to the observed heterogeneity in insulin secretion and sensitivity.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise pathways driving these diverse presentations and tailor treatments accordingly.