Diabetes mellitus in a subgroup of older Mexicans: prevalence, association with cardiovascular risk factors, functional and cognitive impairment, and mortality.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the prevalence and effects of diabetes mellitus in a subgroup of older Mexicans to allow comparisons to older persons of Mexican origin living in the United States.


METHODS
Longitudinal study.


METHODS
High-rise retirement housing in Mexico City.


METHODS
Seven hundred eighty-five public servants and their family members aged 65 and older.


METHODS
Geriatric survey of function; mental status and depression; a physical examination; and blood samples for glucose and cholesterol.


RESULTS
The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in this population was 15.1%, substantially lower than the prevalence reported in people of Mexican origin living in the United States. Nondiabetics were more obese than diabetics. Diabetes mellitus was more common in men than women. The mortality rate was greater in diabetics than nondiabetics (relative risk=1.73, P <.05). Diabetics had more coronary artery disease and were more likely to die from myocardial infarction and neoplasms than nondiabetics. Diabetics were more likely to be functionally impaired (P <.0001) but no more likely to fall or to have fractures. Diabetics did not differ from nondiabetics in cognitive impairment or level of dysphoria.


CONCLUSIONS
These studies highlight some important similarities and differences in comparing a middle class subgroup of older diabetics in Mexico City with diabetics of Mexican origin living in the United States.
Rodríguez-Saldaña
Joel
J
Department of Public Health and AFINES Program, School of Medicine, U.N.A.M. Pacific Operating Center, México City, México.
Morley
John E
JE
Reynoso
Marco T
MT
Medina
Carlos A
CA
Salazar
Paulina
P
Cruz
Eduardo
E
Torres
A L Nayeli
AL
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D009026:Mortality; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology