A Different View to Older Diabetics: Management of Treatment According to Cognitive Functions

Abstract Background and aims. Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic systemic disease which has multiple complications and the presence of these complications affects the management of disease. It is also important to consider cognitive functions when managing the treatment of older diabetics. In this study, we aimed to make proposals for the appropriate drug choice to preserve cognitive functions in elderly diabetics. Matherial and methods. A total of 270 older diabetic patients were reviewed. Possible risk factors of cognitive impairment were investigated. Correlation analysis was performed between MMSE and GDS, age, HbA1c, duration of diabetes. Results. Sulfonylurea (adj. OR: 2.33, %95 CI: 1.11-4.90) and insulin treatment (adj. OR: 3.79, %95 CI: 1.56-9.21) were found associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment. In addition, there was a negative correlation between MMSE and GDS (r: -.129, p<0.05). Conclusion. We suggest that insulin and sulfonylureas should be used with caution in those with cognitive impairment.