title: Factors Associated with the Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus Among Elderly Men and Women Living in Mediterranean Islands: The MEDIS Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of the present work was to evaluate the relationships between socio-demographic, clinical, lifestyle and psychological characteristics and the presence of diabetes mellitus, among elderly individuals without known cardiovascular disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  During 2005-2007, 1190 elderly (aged 65 to 100 years) men and women (from Cyprus, Mitilini, Samothraki, Cephalonia, Crete, Lemnos, Corfu and Zakynthos) were enrolled. Socio-demographic, clinical and lifestyle factors were assessed using standard procedures. Diabetes mellitus was defined as fasting blood glucose >125 mg/dl or use of special medication.
  
  
  RESULTS
  21% of males and 23% of females had diabetes. Only 70% of diabetic participants were on a special diet and 76% were receiving pharmaceutical treatment. Diabetic individuals had higher prevalence of hypertension (80% vs. 64%, p < 0.001) and hypercholesterolemia (63% vs. 51%, p < 0.001) and reported lower physical activity status (p < 0.001), compared with non-diabetic participants. After adjusting for various confounders, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were associated with a 144% (95% CI, 1.37-4.35) and 83% (95% CI, 1.13-2.94) higher likelihood of having diabetes, while moderate and vigorous exercise correlated with a 82% (95% CI, 0.09-0.81) and 67% (95% CI, 0.11-0.97) lower likelihood of diabetes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A considerable proportion of our elderly sample had diabetes and other metabolic disorders, almost 25% of which were untreated. Promotion of physical activities, even in the elderly, may contribute to reducing their burden of diabetes and provide them with a better quality of living.
authors: Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece.
authors: Stefanos
authors: S
authors: Tyrovolas
authors: Akis
authors: A
authors: Zeimbekis
authors: Vassiliki
authors: V
authors: Bountziouka
authors: Katia
authors: K
authors: Voutsa
authors: George
authors: G
authors: Pounis
authors: Stalo
authors: S
authors: Papoutsou
authors: George
authors: G
authors: Metallinos
authors: Evangelia
authors: E
authors: Ladoukaki
authors: Evangelos
authors: E
authors: Polychronopoulos
authors: Christos
authors: C
authors: Lionis
authors: Demosthenes B
authors: DB
authors: Panagiotakos