Risk Factors for Macro- and Microvascular Complications among Older Adults with Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes: Findings from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing

Abstract EN

Objective.

To explore risk factors for macro- and microvascular complications in a nationally representative sample of adults aged 50 years and over with type 2 diabetes in Ireland.

Methods.

Data from the first wave of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) (2009–2011) was used in cross-sectional analysis.

The presence of doctor diagnosis of diabetes, risk factors, and macro- and microvascular complications were determined by self-report.

Gender-specific differences in risk factor prevalence were assessed with the chi-squared test.

Binomial regression analysis was conducted to explore independent associations between established risk factors and diabetes-related complications.

Results.

Among 8175 respondents, 655 were classified as having type 2 diabetes.

Older age, being male, a history of smoking, a lower level of physical activity, and a diagnosis of high cholesterol were independent predictors of macrovascular complications.

Diabetes diagnosis of 10 or more years, a history of smoking, and a diagnosis of hypertension were associated with an increased risk of microvascular complications.

Older age, third-level education, and a high level of physical activity were protective factors ( p < 0.05 ).

Conclusions.

Early intervention to target modifiable risk factors is urgently needed to reduce diabetes-related morbidity in the older population in Ireland.