Prevalence,clinical correlates,and use of glucose-lowering drugs among older patients with type 2 diabetes living in long-term care facilities

Prevalence,clinical correlates,and use of glucose-lowering drugs were comprehensively evaluated among 863 nursing home older patients with diabetes (mean age 82.9 ± 2.1 years): functional dependence and cognitive impairment were present in 84.1% and 68% of patients,respectively,and 66.3% of patients had 2-4 comorbidities. hba1c values < 7.0% were documented in 54.9% of diabetic; significantly lower hba1c levels were observed in demented patients than in nondemented subjects. documented hypoglycemic episodes were reported for 57 patients (6.6%),without significant association with age,functional dependence,cognitive impairment,or hba1c levels. about one-fifth of older long-term facilities residents have diabetes,with concomitant poor health conditions and high prevalence of cognitive impairment and functional dependence. roughly three-fourths of these older and frail diabetic patients have hba1c values lower than optimal,suggesting a potential for hypoglycemic harm especially among patients with severe cognitive impairment. © 2015 mario bo et al.