Factors associated with poor glycaemic control among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, Yasothon Province: a matched case – control study

Abstract

Diabetes has been a primary challenge for public health. Most of the patients, especially the elderly, are unable to control the blood sugar levels, which intensifies the chance for the development of other interfering diseases. This study investigates factors associated with poor glycaemic control among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Yasothon Province. The primary data were obtained from the 43-file standard datasets of Yasothon Province in 2019. A matched case-control study was exploited for this research. The case group consisted of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes, who had poor glycemic control (HbA1C≥7 mg/dL). Each case was matched to one control, who was a patient with type 2 diabetes, of the same sex and age, and could control the blood sugar level (HbA1C<7 mg/dL). A total of 330 matched case-control pairs were included in the study. Data were subsequently analyzed using multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis, and correlations are presented with adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The study found that most of the two groups were 68.2% female, and most of them were aged between 60-69 years, 57.6%. 67.4% had overweight, 54.5% had normal waist circumference length and 65.6% had the condition of diabetes less than 10 years. By multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis, factors significantly associated with poor glycemic control were having had diabetes for ≥ 10 years (ORadj=2.19, 95% CI=1.52–3.17), having excessive levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (ORadj=2.30, 95% CI=1.45–3.67) and consuming alcohol (ORadj=1.57, 95% CI=1.13–3.18). It is accordingly advised that an integrative method of health promotion be exercised along with adjusting the habitual behavior of consuming alcohol. Moreover, patients, especially those, who have suffered with diabetes for many years, should be advised to have regular cholesterol checks and to follow other medication practices.