Glycemic control and hypoglycemia prevalence in elderly patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

• Published in: Haydarpașa Numune Hastanesi tıp dergisi = The medical journal of Haydarpașa Numune Hospital 2021-01, Vol.61 (1), p.18
• Main Author: Tanrikulu, Seher
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Diabetes; Diabetic retinopathy; Hypoglycemia
• ISSN: 1300-6363
• DOI: 10.14744/hnhj.2020.63497

INTRODUCTION: Optimal glycemic control is known to reduce the frequency of complications and mortality rates in elderly patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the glycemic control and hypoglycemia frequency in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: This single-center cross-sectional study was conducted in the endocrinology and metabolic diseases outpatient clinic. A total of 103 patients with T2DM older than 65 years without psychiatric disorders, end-stage renal disease, cancer and dementia were included in the study. The cognitive and functional status of the patients, their comorbidities and the anti-diabetic drugs they were using were evaluated, and the general health status of the patients (categorized simply as good, moderate, or poor) was determined according to the 2019 Endocrine Society guidelines. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the HbA1c levels as; overtreated (HbA1c below target value, n=14), optimally controlled (those achieving HbA1c goals, n=36), and undertreated (HbA1c above target values, n=53). Demographic characteristics, frequency of hypoglycemia, antihyperglycemic therapies they used and complications were compared between the groups. RESULTS: According to glycemic targets, 13.6% of the patients were overtreated, 35% were optimally treated, and 51.4% were undertreated. Diabetic retinopathy was higher and glomerular filtration rate was lower in the overtreated patient group (p