Obesity in the elderly diabetic patients: Townsville Hospital experience

Background / Aims: Although the increase in the prevalence of obesity among Australian diabetics (DM) generally is well documented, little information has been published specifically about the situation among older Australians living in North Queensland. This is despite the reportedly growing geriatric population in the region. The main aim of the study is to determine prevalence of obesity in the elderly subjects with DM. Methods: Hospital-based cross sectional study was prospectively conducted on patients admitted at the Townsville Hospital aged >70 years. Questionnaire was administered and anthropometric measurements were recorded in subjects with DM (study group) and non-DM (control group). Results: Data of 68 subjects were analysed comprising of 31 DM and 37 non-DM. Prevalence of obesity (BMI>25 kg/m2) was 74.7% compared with 45.9% in non-DM X2 = 5.6, P = 0.018. The mean BMI and body weight were higher in DM than in non-DM, 28.2 + 6.7 vs 25 .2 + 5.3 kg/m2 and 78.5 + 18 vs 68.6 + 17 kg, both P < 0.05. Gender, mean age, and prevalence of other co -morbidities were similar in both groups. Conclusion: We report high prevalence of obesity in diabetes elderly population. Prevention of DM may likely reduce rate of over weight in our geriatric subjects. This being pilot project further prospective studies on a larger population are needed to confirm our findings

Prevalence of limited joint mobility in elderly diabetics at the Townsville Hospital

Background/Aims: Limited joint mobility is a form of musculoskeletal complication affecting system well described in young diabetics (DM). Its prevalence in the elderly DM is not extensively investigated. Identifying LJM by simple clinical examination is likely to help as a screening tool for further assessment of other complications of DM in the geriatric population who are at a higher risk of co-morbidities. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether presence of diabetes increase the risk of LJM in the elderly subjects.\ud \ud Methods: A total of 88 subjects aged >70 years were prospectively assessed at the Townsville Hospital diabetes and gerontology departments. Of this number 47 were diabetics while 42 non-DM subjects served as control group. Clinical prayer sign examination and quantitative goniometric assessment of DM and non-DM controls were done.\ud \ud Results: Prevalence of LJM among DM patients was higher 19/47 (40.4%) compared to 7/41 (17%) in non-DM controls X²=5.72, P<0.05. Mean age for DM was lower 76 + 0.8 (SE) vs 81 + 1 years; P = 0.027. Duration of DM was higher 23.8 + 3.4 years compared with 12 + 2 in non-DM, p<0.05. Retinopathy was commoner in DM with LJM 42% vs 11% in DM without LJM X² = 6.2, P<0.05.\ud \ud Conclusion: We report high prevalence of LJM in the elderly. The musculoskeletal complication correlates with occurrence of DM eye disease. Further prospective studies are required to confirm our findings