The impact of social and economic factors on selected parameters of metabolic control of diabetes in elderly type 2 diabetics

Maria Polocka-Molinska¹, Jadwiga Kuczma-Napierala², Kornelia Kedziora-Kornatowska³

Summary
Introduction: Diabetes is a systemic disease, the risk of being affected increasing with age. Considering the social character of the disease, we may distinguish two important influences, which help us to prevent chronic complications, and also influence good metabolic control. These are social and economic influences.
Materials and methods: The aim of our work was to analyse selected social and economic factors which have an impact on the course of diabetes in elderly people. In order to collect the necessary information for research, a "home-made” questionnaire was used as well as standard tools (assessment of means of treatment and self-evaluation sheet – WHO). Research was done on a group of 172 diabeties, diagnosed as type 2 diabeties, aged between 63 and 84. Patients were hospitalised at a Geriatric Clinic, or at the Endocrinology and Diabetology Clinic in Bydgoszcz. Clinical tests were also made, in subjective and objective research, and in laboratory tests of parameters of metabolic control. The examination of diabetes control parameters was established on the basis of the amount of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), the level of glucose on an empty stomach, the level of total cholesterol and its fractions (LDL-C, HDL-C), triglycerides in serum, and also arterial blood pressure and body mass index. From many factors that may influence the course of diabetes, analysis was made of age, education, and other social and economic.
Results: It has been proved that elderly type 2 diabetics can´t assess metabolic parameters properly, in most cases these very often exceeding limiting values.
Conclusion: Incorrect metabolic control was the result of a low level of education, little information about the disease, and lack of patients´ possibilities to control it. Insufficient knowledge about diabetes caused the patient and for their family to fail to cope with difficult life situations.

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