HOSPITALIZATION AND MORTALITY OF DIABETES IN OLDER ADULTS - A 3-YEAR PROSPECTIVE-STUDY

OBJECTIVE - In light of increased fatality from acute events and the i ncreased frequency of chronic complications, life expectancy might wel l be shortened in older patients with diabetes. The current studies in vestigated factors affecting the likelihood of dying or being hospital ized in older patients with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - A total of 135 older patients with diabetes were followed for 3 years af ter predictive factors were evaluated and compared with a cohort of pa tients without diabetes. RESULTS - Mortality was only 3,250 per 100,00 0 patient-years, similar to that for patients without diabetes, but th e frequency of hospitalizations was more than mice as high in patients with diabetes. Five factors predicted hospitalization and death. Of t hese, the geriatric depression score was the best predictor of these p oor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS - Older patients with diabetes were hospital ized more often than those without diabetes, but mortality was similar . Dysphoria is a major predictor of poor outcomes in older patients wi th diabetes.