Factors predicting glycemic control in middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes.

TitleFactors predicting glycemic control in middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsChiu, C-J, Wray, LA
JournalPrev Chronic Dis
Volume7
Issue1
PaginationA08
Date Published2010 Jan
ISSN Number1545-1151
KeywordsAge Factors, Aged, Blood Glucose, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2, Female, Glycated Hemoglobin, Humans, Hypoglycemic Agents, Male, Middle Aged, Retrospective Studies, Socioeconomic factors
Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Few studies have prospectively assessed the explanatory effects of demographics, clinical conditions, treatment modality, and general lifestyle behaviors on glycemic control in large heterogeneous samples of middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes. We hierarchically examined these factors, focused especially on the effects of modifiable factors (ie, general lifestyle behaviors), and compared predictive patterns between middle-aged and older adults.

METHODS: We used nationally representative data from the 1998 and 2000 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the HRS 2003 Diabetes Study. We analyzed data from 379 middle-aged adults (aged 51-64 y) and 430 older adults (aged >or=65 y) who self-reported having type 2 diabetes at baseline.

RESULTS: Among middle-aged adults, demographic factors and clinical conditions were the strongest predictors of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. However, among older adults, treatment modality (diet only, oral medication, or insulin only or in combination with other regimens) significantly affected HbA1c levels. Lifestyle (physical activity, smoking, drinking, and body weight control), independent of the effects of demographics, clinical conditions, and treatment modality, significantly affected HbA1c levels. An increase of 1 healthy behavior was associated with a decrease in HbA1c levels of more than 1 percentage point.

CONCLUSION: Our findings provide support for current diabetes guidelines that recommend a lifestyle regimen across the entire span of diabetes care and highlight the need to help both sociodemographically and clinically disadvantaged middle-aged adults with type 2 diabetes as well as older adults who exhibit poor adherence to medication recommendations to achieve better glycemic control.

Notes

Using Smart Source Parsing Jan, :A08 Index Medicus

User Guide Notes

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20040223?dopt=Abstract

Endnote Keywords

diabetes/demographics/treatment modality/lifestyle/hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels

Endnote ID

22210

Alternate JournalPrev Chronic Dis
Citation Key7424
PubMed ID20040223
PubMed Central IDPMC2811503
Grant ListR21 DK078894 / DK / NIDDK NIH HHS / United States
DK078894-01 / DK / NIDDK NIH HHS / United States