Individualized, non-age-based glycemic control in elderly veterans with diabetes.

Abstract

To examine the role of age and endocrinology care in glycemic testing and control in elderly veterans with diabetes. In this retrospective study of Veterans Health Administration clinic users aged > or = 65 years with diabetes, we compared glycemic testing and poor glycemic control (A1C > 9%) between older (> or = 75 years) and younger (65-74 years) veterans in the year 2000. Without adjustment, rates for glycemic testing were 70.2% in older and 71.1% in younger veterans, and those for poor control were 9.4% in older and 12.8% in younger veterans. After adjustment, older veterans had 1.8% lower probability of glycemic testing and 2.9% lower probability of poor control than younger veterans. Endocrinology care was associated with a higher probability of both glycemic testing (9.7%) and poor control (1.0%), regardless of age. Glycemic testing and control and effect of endocrinology care were comparable in older and younger veterans with diabetes.