Abstract
Background
Complications and comorbidities might increase medical burdens and lead to poor health
outcomes among people aged 65 years and older who suffer from type 2 diabetes mellitus
(T2DM).
Aim
The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of complications and
comorbidities was associated with poor health outcomes among older adults with T2DM.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in an outpatient endocrinology department of
a teaching hospital in Taiwan. In total, 577 community-dwelling participants with
T2DM aged 65 years and older were recruited. Health outcomes were measured by a body
composition analyser, a blood biochemical examination, and structured self-reported
questionnaires, including the Mini Nutritional Assessment, Activities of Daily Living,
Healthy Diet Behaviour, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and self-reported
complications (retinopathies, nephropathies, neuropathies, and foot problems) and
comorbidities (hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, heart diseases, and sarcopenia).
Results
Participants' average age was 73.94 ± 6.73 years. Participants with complications
exhibited significantly decreased levels of self-rated health (β = −0.09) and significantly
higher sedentary times (β = 0.13). Participants with complications (β = −0.14) and
sarcopenia (β = −0.13) had significantly decreased levels of activities of daily living.
Participants with complications (β = −0.06) and hyperlipidaemia (β = −0.19) had significantly
decreased muscle strength. Participants with complications (odds ratio (OR [95% confidence
interval]): 0.46 [0.29, 0.72]) and hypertension (OR: 0.64 [0.42, 0.99]) had significantly
lower odds of falling in the past year.
Conclusions
Complications and comorbidities are important factors affecting health outcomes among
older adults with T2DM. Complications and hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and sarcopenia
might lead to poor subjective and objective health outcomes. This study makes suggestions
for policymakers and clinical health professionals as to the importance of monitoring
and preventing complications and comorbidities.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 18, 2022
Accepted:
August 31,
2022
Received in revised form:
August 25,
2022
Received:
February 15,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 Australian College of Nursing Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
