Self-reported diabetes in older people: comparison of prevalences and control measures

Abstract

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of diabetes in older people and the adopted control measures.METHODS Data regarding older diabetic individuals who participated in the Health Surveys conducted in the Municipality of Sao Paulo, SP, ISA-Capital, in 2003 and 2008, which were cross-sectional studies, were analyzed. Prevalences and confidence intervals were compared between 2003 and 2008, according to sociodemographic variables. The combination of the databases was performed when the confidence intervals overlapped. The Chi-square (level of significance of 5%) and the Pearson’s Chi-square (Rao-Scott) tests were performed. The variables without overlap between the confidence intervals were not tested.RESULTS The age of the older adults was 60-69 years. The majority were women, Caucasian, with an income of between > 0.5 and 2.5 times the minimum salary and low levels of schooling. The prevalence of diabetes was 17.6% (95%CI 14.9;20.6) in 2003 and 20.1% (95%CI 17.3;23.1) in 2008, which indicates a growth over this period (p at the limit of significance). The most prevalent measure adopted by the older adults to control diabetes was hypoglycemic agents, followed by diet. Physical activity was not frequent, despite the significant differences observed between 2003 and 2008 results. The use of public health services to control diabetes was significantly higher in older individuals with lower income and lower levels of education.CONCLUSIONS Diabetes is a complex and challenging disease for patients and the health systems. Measures that encourage health promotion practices are necessary because they presented a smaller proportion than the use of hypoglycemic agents. Public health policies should be implemented, and aimed mainly at older individuals with low income and schooling levels. These changes are essential to improve the health condition of older diabetic patients.

Adherence of older people with diabetes to self-care activities: a study on gender differences

“…DM is one of the main diseases affecting the elderly population [4]. The prevalence of self-reported diabetes among the elderly in Brazil increased from 17.6% in 2003 to 22.1% in 2014 [5].…”

“…The prevalence of self-reported diabetes among the elderly in Brazil increased from 17.6% in 2003 to 22.1% in 2014 [5]. The causes for the increased prevalence of diabetes during the study period cover different aspects and may be related to the greater number of diagnoses of the disease since the introduction of HiperDia program by the Ministry of Health between [2001][2002][2003], and the growth of obesity in the elderly population [4].…”

“…Given the complexity of diabetes as a chronic disease and the increasing prevalence of older people with diabetes in contemporary society, it is seen the need to develop specific policies and interventions to promote healthy habits, prevention of acute and chronic complications to this part of the population [4]. These complications can compromise the independence, functional capacity and quality of life of the elderly [6], reducing the chances of a successful aging.…”

Factors Associated with Loss of Skin-Plantar Sensitivity and Diabetic Foot Risk in Elderly with Diabetic Neuropathy: Cross- Sectional Study

“…The prevalence of reduced plantar skin sensation increases with age and there is a lack of information and control measures, especially among the low income population [17][18][19] and education.…”

Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2: caracterização da assistência à saúde, parâmetros clínicos e estado nutricional de idosos em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde, em dois períodos de acompanhamento

“…Tais números são indicativos de uma "epidemia" da doença, com dados crescentes na população mais jovem em países em desenvolvimento (SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA DE DIABETES, 2015). Stopa et al (2014) (LEBRÃO et al, 2008).…”