The relationship between diabetes burden and successful ageing in diabetic elderly patients

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the diabetes burden in elderly individuals along with successful ageing, which defines how well individual ages contribute to coping with the disease and diabetes management. This study also aimed to evaluate the relationship between diabetes burden and successful ageing in elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: The data for this descriptive study were collected from 526 individuals who were 65 years old patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the diabetes polyclinic of a research and training hospital between January and June 2021. RESULTS: It was found that the Successful Ageing Scale score was higher in women, those who had regular diabetes control, and those who had easy access to health services. Elderly Diabetes Burden Scale scores were found to be higher in men, those whose diabetes treatment was insulin, and those with poor perceived health status. No statistically significant relationship was determined between the Elderly Diabetes Burden Scale total score and the Successful Ageing Scale total score (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Accordingly, by enabling the elderly to have easy access to healthcare services, preventing complications, and providing elderly healthcare services, it will be possible to reduce the diabetes burden in the elderly and enable them to age successfully.