Abstract
AimTo examine knowledge and management of diabetes by older people.MethodsA representative sample of 1047 people with Type 2 diabetes, aged 75 years and over, were asked a series of questions relating to their diabetes management and their understanding of self management. The impact of cognitive impairment and socio-economic status were assessed.ResultsThe majority of people, 1015 (96.9%), were under the care of a health professional and 1018 (97.2%) were taking insulin, tablets, controlling their diet or a combination. Cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination ≤ 23) was found in 235 (22.5%) people. Recent eye, foot and dietician assessment was reported by 813 (77.7%), 836 (79.7%) and 326 (31.1%) people, respectively. A quarter overall and 70% of those taking insulin tested their blood glucose. In the insulin group, 78 (54.2%) reported hypoglycaemia and those with cognitive impairment gave more incorrect responses when asked about diabetes management. Socio-economic status made very little difference to any of these outcomes.ConclusionsMost older people with diabetes, regardless of their socio-economic status, are under the care of a healthcare professional and use medication or diet to manage their disease. Large numbers also attend foot and eye examinations. However, over one fifth of older people with diabetes have cognitive impairment. Older people had a reasonable understanding of their diabetes management but this was worse in those people with cognitive impairment.Diabet. Med. 28, 117–122 (2011)
Highlights
In modern diabetic management, patients are often encouraged to take responsibility for aspects of their own care
Older people had a reasonable understanding of their diabetes management but this was worse in those people with cognitive impairment
We report the results of a questionnaire aimed to examine the different types and understanding of diabetic management in older people with diabetes from a range of socio-economic backgrounds
Summary
Patients are often encouraged to take responsibility for aspects of their own care. There are several components of successful long-term patient-based management These include self-medication, monitoring blood glucose, annual review, input from dietetic services and regular screening for foot and eye problems [1,2,3]. These different management strategies are often conducted by a number of different healthcare professionals, either alone or in. What effect sole or joint care has on older people with diabetes is not known. In order to achieve these goals, older people with diabetes need a good understanding of their condition and to be sufficiently intact cognitively and motivated to make the appropriate decisions regarding their health
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