Factors Associated with the Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus Among Elderly Men and Women Living in Mediterranean Islands: The MEDIS Study

Stefanos Tyrovolas; Akis Zeimbekis; Vassiliki Bountziouka; Katia Voutsa; George Pounis; Stalo Papoutsou; George Metallinos; Evangelia Ladoukaki; Evangelos Polychronopoulos; Christos Lionis; Demosthenes B Panagiotakos

Article View

Abstract

The Review of Diabetic Studies,2009,6,1,54-63.

DOI:10.1900/RDS.2009.6.54

Published:March 2009

Type:Original Article

Authors:

Author(s) affiliations:

Stefanos Tyrovolas¹, Akis Zeimbekis², Vassiliki Bountziouka¹, Katia Voutsa¹, George Pounis¹, Stalo Papoutsou¹, George Metallinos¹, Evangelia Ladoukaki³, Evangelos Polychronopoulos¹, Christos Lionis³ and Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos¹

¹Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece.

²Health Center of Kalloni, General Hospital of Mitilini, Mitilini, Greece.

³Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.

Abstract:

Background: The aim of the present work was to evaluate the relationships between socio-demographic, clinical, lifestyle and psychological characteristics and the presence of diabetes mellitus, among elderly individuals without known cardiovascular disease. Methods: During 2005- 2007, 1190 elderly (aged 65 to 100 years) men and women (from Cyprus, Mitilini, Samothraki, Cephalonia, Crete, Lemnos, Corfu and Zakynthos) were enrolled. Sociodemographic, clinical and lifestyle factors were assessed using standard procedures. Diabetes mellitus was defined as fasting blood glucose >125 mg/dl or use of special medication. Results: 21% of males and 23% of females had diabetes. Only 70% of diabetic participants were on a special diet and 76% were receiving pharmaceutical treatment. Diabetic individuals had higher prevalence of hypertension (80% vs. 64%, p < 0.001) and hypercholesterolemia (63% vs. 51%, p < 0.001) and reported lower physical activity status (p < 0.001), compared with non-diabetic participants. After adjusting for various confounders, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were associated with a 144% (95% CI, 1.37-4.35) and 83% (95% CI, 1.13-2.94) higher likelihood of having diabetes, while moderate and vigorous exercise correlated with a 82% (95% CI, 0.09-0.81) and 67% (95% CI, 0.11-0.97) lower likelihood of diabetes. Conclusion: A considerable proportion of our elderly sample had diabetes and other metabolic disorders, almost 25% of which were untreated. Promotion of physical activities, even in the elderly, may contribute to reducing their burden of diabetes and provide them with a better quality of living.