Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is more common in the geriatric population older than 65 years. Nursing home inhabitants are mostly geriatric people with relatively low functional capability, high chronic disease prevalence and high complication ratios. The aim of this study is to detect prevalence of diabetes mellitus and risk status in state nursing homes in the province of Ankara

METHODS

All individuals in state nursing homes in Ankara were included in the study. Participants were given a questionnaire consisting of 21 questions related with socio-demographic characteristics, chronic diseases and drugs. Diabetes Risk Questionnaire (FİNRISK) was applied to participants who have not a diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus. Fasting plasma glucose levels were measured. Fasting glucose level equals to 126mg/dl and above was accepted as diabetes mellitus. 75 g oral glucose tolerance test was performed to patients with impaired fasting glucose levels. Datas were analyzed with 95% confidence intervals using SPSS (Statistical Program for Social Sciences) version. Shapiro-Wilks test, median, quarters inter width – QIW, interquartile range - IQR, the Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's rho correlation coefficient was used fort he evaluation of variables.

RESULTS

852 people were included in the study. Diabetes Mellitus prevalence was found as 25.5% (n= 217). 12.8% of participants had impaired fasting glucose, 1.6% of them had impaired glucose tolerance. HbA1c values obtained from 62 individuals median was found 7.0 (QIW = 2.1). When the risk scores obtained from the individuals were grouped, it was seen that 31 (6.3%) of them had lower risk, 241 (49.7%) of them had slight risk and 125 (25.8%) of them had medium-risk. 78 (16.1%) of the individuals had high risk of developing diabetes, 10 (2.1%) of them had a very high risk of developing diabetes.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing with age. So it should be given enough attention and precautions should be taken. Health checks of elderly people should be done regularly by the employee working in nursing homes and health care workers should follow up and treat elderly patients by taking risk factors into account.