Prevalence and clinical features of known type 2 diabetes in the elderly: a population-based study

In a large population-based survey, 1947 Type 2 diabetic subjects aged 40 yr and over were identified, with high ascertainment (91%). Age-specific prevalence increased from 2.48% in the age group 40-64 to 5.62% in the age group > or = 65 yr; 35% of subjects were 65 yr and over at the onset of the disease. Elderly diabetic subjects showed a significantly (p < 0.001) lower frequency of family history of diabetes (26% vs 42%), obesity at diagnosis (62% vs 70.6%) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (8.3 +/- 2.4 vs 8.1 +/- 2.8 mmol l-1). Elderly diabetic subjects were more commonly managed by general practitioners (GPs) (29.7% vs 21.5%). Elderly patients attending only the GPs differed in FPG, which was significantly lower (7.9 +/- 2.1 nmol l-1 vs 8.5 +/- 2.6 mmol l-1). Good metabolic control (FPG < 6.6 mmol l-1) was found in 17.5% of subjects in the age group 40-64 and in 22.9% in the age group > or = 65 yr. Poor metabolic control was more commonly seen in those attending the diabetic clinic. HBA1c measurement was available in 32.0% of the elderly attending the diabetic clinic and in only 10.7% of those in the care of GPs. Fundal examination was available in 48.2% and in 36.5%, respectively, of diabetic subjects in the age groups 40-64 > or = 65 yr, without differences between those attending and those not attending the diabetic clinic.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)