Prevalence of hypoglycemia among diabetic old age home residents in South India

Abstract

AimTo assess the prevalence of diabetes among inmates at old age care homes in south India and scrutinize their therapy, glycemic levels and burden of hypoglycemic episodes. Materials and MethodsThe medication record based observational study was conducted in 9 old-age care facilities across south India from February to September 2015. The cognitive and functional status were analysed and the prevalence of hypoglycemia estimated. Descriptive analysis was performed using SPSS 18.0 for windows. ResultsThe prevalence, predisposing variables and therapeutic modalities used in 189 inmates of 9 old-age homes in Kerala. The mean age of the sample was estimated to be 71.3±3.4 years. 67.2% of the total inmates were found to be diabetic and met the inclusion criteria. Of the total patients, 72.44% had co-existence of both cognitive and functional impairment.86% patients developed hypoglycemia at least at some point during the therapy and insulin was found to be the drug used in majority of patients with the condition indicating that aggressive therapies can increase fatality due to hypoglycemia. ConclusionsMost guidelines call for an individualized therapeutic approach suing less aggressive strategies for patients vulnerable to hypoglycemia and geriatric population form such a substantial group. The current study highlights the necessity for special attention when considering therapeutic regimen among such patients.