The effects of aging and frailty on inpatient glycemic control by continuous glucose monitoring in patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

BackgroundOlder adults with diabetes in the hospital are generally managed similarly to younger adults, however, it is unknown if the degree of frailty can affect glucose control among hospitalized patients. MethodsWe examined glycemic parameters derived from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in older adults with type 2 diabetes and frailty who were hospitalized in non-acute settings. Data was pooled from 3 prospective studies using CGM including 97 patients wearing Libre CGM sensors and 166 patients wearing Dexcom G6 CGM. Glycemic parameters (time in range (TIR) 70–180; time below range (TBR) <70 and 54 mg/dl) by CGM were compared between 103 older adults ≥60 years and 168 younger adults <60 years. Frailty was assessed using validated laboratory and vital signs frailty index FI-LAB (n = 85), and its effect on hypoglycemia risk was studied. ResultsOlder adults, as compared to younger adults, had significantly lower admission HbA1c (8.76% ± 1.82 vs. 10.25% ± 2.29, p < 0.001), blood glucose (203.89 ± 88.65 vs. 247.86 ± 124.17 mg/dl, p = 0.003), mean daily BG (173.9 ± 41.3 vs. 183.6 ± 45.0 mg/dl, p = 0.07) and higher percent TIR 70–180 mg/dl (59.0 ± 25.6% vs. 51.0 ± 26.1%, p = 0.02) during hospital stay. There was no difference in hypoglycemia occurrence between older and younger adults. Higher FI-LAB score was associated with higher % CGM < 70 mg/dl (0.204) and % CGM < 54 mg/dl (0.217). ConclusionOlder adults with type 2 diabetes have better glycemic control prior to admission and during hospital stay compared to younger adults. Frailty is associated with longer presence of hypoglycemia in non-acute hospital settings.