Endocrine Abstracts

Aims: Diabetes is an important health condition in the aging population. The risk of depression is increased in older adults and should therefore be screened and managed. Especially, it is important to early detect and improvement of depression in older adults with diabetes because it is associated with glucose control and development of diabetic complication. We evaluated the prevalence of depression in diabetic older adults and identified associated independent risk factors using data of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2010–2011.

Methods: This study was based on data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which was conducted by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2010–2011. The research selected 2,843 older adults whose data of health condition and mental health exist and ages are older than 65, from the KNHANES 2010–2011. The variables included general characteristics, disease-related characteristics, anthropometric measurements and blood tests, and mental health results. Multiple logistic regression analyses was performed to examinate independent risk factors associated with depression in subjects.

Results: The prevalence of diabetes were 18.2% (518/2,843) in older adults. The prevalence of depression in older adults with diabetes was significantly higher (21.0%) than older adults without diabetes (14.7%), respectively (P=0.045). There was no significant differences in sucidal idea, neuropsychiatry visiting experience during one year, and stress status. Independent risk factors associated with depression in older adults with diabetes were older age group (75–79 years; odds ratio (95% CI), 2.10 (2.01–3.24), ≥ 80 years; 2.14 (1.02–3.24)), diabetes duration ≥10 years (1.34 (1.31–3.62)), and increasing number of comorbid diseases (1; 1.13 (1.01–2.34), ≥2; (2.213 (1.03–3.01)).

Conclusions: The prevalence of depression in diabetic older adults was significantly higher compared to the older adults who do not have diabetes in Korea. Older age, longer diabetic duration, and increasing comorbid diseases were independent risk factors associated with depression. In the management of older adults with diabetes, an individualized approach is required that focus on early diagnose and improving of the depression.