November 8, 2006

Diabetes Mellitus in Older Men

By Kim, M J; Rolland, Y; Cepeda, O; Gammack, J K; Morley, J E


Most persons with diabetes mellitus are over the age of 60 years. Males develop diabetes more commonly than females. Older diabetics tend to have both impaired insulin release as well as insulin resistance. In older persons diabetes mellitus is associated with decreased functional status and cognitive dysfunction. In general, older persons with diabetes are inclined to be underdiagnosed and undertreated. Managing diabetes in older persons requires special considerations because of their differences in pathophysiology of diabetes and strong association with functional, cognitive impairments and comorbidities. The use of strict therapeutic diets is not recommended in older persons. Treatment of hypertension and hyperglycemia can improve outcomes in older persons. The interdisciplinary team approach is important for care of older diabetic persons.

Keywords: Metformin, falls, insulin adeponectin euglycemia


I was eating bad stuff. Lots of sugar and carbs, junk food all the time. It makes you very irritated.

(Singer Avril Lavigne)

In 600 BC, Susruta, the Aryuvedic physician noticed that certain individuals had honey urine ('madhumeha') that was strongly attracting to ants. He also noted that there were two types of persons with honey urine, one being younger, thin people and the other older, fatter people. Thus, the concept that older persons had a different form of diabetes mellitus compared to younger persons has existed since the beginning of recorded medicine.

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is rapidly increasing. In 2000, 2.8% of the world-wide population had diabetes, with an expected increase to 4.4% (or 366 million persons) by 2030. The majority of diabetics in developed countries are over 60 years of age. By the year 2030 there are expected to be almost twice as many older persons with diabetes in developing countries compared to the more developed ones [1]. The largest number of diabetics live in India, China and the United States.

From 1980 to 2004 the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the United States has doubled. Diabetes mellitus is more common in men than women (Figure 1). At 65-74 years of age, 20.5% of men living in the United States are diabetic, and in the 75+ age group 17.3% are diabetic. Diabetes is undiagnosed in large numbers of the population and this occurs more often in men than women. In the 60-74 year age group 41.5% of men with diabetes were undiagnosed and in the 75+ age group 34.5% were not diagnosed [2]. In nursing homes the prevalence of diabetes is approximately 30%, with the diagnosis being made in approximately one-third of those with diabetes. Although there is evidence that optimal glycemic control can reduce the rate of occurrence of the secondary complications of diabetes, as in younger persons, the majority of older persons with diabetes did not achieve American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommendations for glycemic control.

There are many similarities between diabetes mellitus and the aging process. Diabetes appears to accelerate aging by about a decade. Thus, both diabetes and aging at the biochemical level lead to a decline in DNA unwinding rate, increased collagen cross- linking, increased capillary basement membrane thickening and a decline in the Na+K+ ATPase activity [3]. Clinically, persons with diabetes have twice the prevalence of cataracts of the general population, accelerated atherosclerosis, cognitive decline and a decreased functional status.

Pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus in older persons

Older persons have their own characteristics for the pathogenesis of diabetes. Older diabetics tend to have both impaired insulin release as well as insulin resistance. Older persons with diabetes have a decrease in insulin-mediated glucose disposal, as well as a decrease in non-insulin mediated glucose uptake into organs such as the brain [4]. However, they tend to have little change in fasting hepatic glucose output, unlike classic type II diabetics. Older persons with diabetes often tend to be less obese than younger or middle-aged diabetics [5,6]. Older persons also tend to have more evidence of pancreatic islet cell dysfunction to produce insulin, compared to middle-aged Type II diabetics. Clinically, this results in older diabetics often presenting with a mixed hyperosmolar/ ketoacidotic coma. However, the mechanism for the decline in islet cell function with aging is still uncertain. Because of these differences in the pathophysiology of diabetes in the older person, we have suggested that the classic diabetes in an older person should be considered a type 1 (Table I) [7]. In the New Mexico Aging Process study, we showed that persons who reach 70 years of age, with no evidence of glucose intolerance are very unlikely to develop diabetes mellitus over the next 14 years [8].

Figure 1. Prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the USA.

The reason for insulin resistance occurring with aging appears to be due to accumulation of lipid within muscle [9]. This can either be due to a mitochondrial defect resulting in decreased utilization of intramuscular lipid or hyperlipidemia leading to myosteatosis. Increased intracellular lipid leads to altered phosphorylation of the insulin receptor substrate resulting in decreased activity of the glucose transporters.

Adiponectin is a fat cell hormone belonging to the tumor necrosis factor superfamily [10]. It enhances insulin sensitivity and decreases triglycerides. In animal models it reverses insulin resistance. In the elderly, levels of adiponectin are higher in lean compared to obese subjects and in women [11]. Insulin resistance was negatively correlated with adiponectin levels and positively correlated with leptin levels. Its potential role in diabetes of older men has yet to be determined.

Table I. Differences in the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus in the young, middle-aged and old.

Cytokines, such as tumor necrosis alpha, have been implicated in the production of insulin resistance. Aging is often associated with elevated cytokines due to visceral obesity and a low level inflammatory state. The role of cytokines in the modulation of insulin resistance in older men requires further exploration.

The metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance syndrome) which was originally described by Camus in 1966 [12], is associated with an increased risk of diabetes and is extremely common in older persons. Its prevalence is almost one-fourth of adult Americans [13]. The metabolic syndrome consists of hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, glucose intolerance, hyperuricemia, altered clotting abnormalities (such as an elevated plasminogen activating inhibitor 1), lipid abnormalities (including increased triglycerides, decreased high density lipoprotein lipase and increased small dense low density lipoprotein), myosteatosis, nonalcoholic steatotic hepatitis and possibly cognitive dysfunction. It is caused by an interaction of decreased exercise and overeating with a genetic milieu that promotes its development [14]. It is not surprising that the metabolic syndrome predicts future diabetics, since glucose intolerance is a component of the metabolic syndrome. To date, the most accepted pathophysiology of the metabolic syndrome is insulin resistance. It is unclear, however, whether in older persons with metabolic syndrome the insulin resistance is primary cause or secondary result of coexisting illness.

Reasons for maintenance of euglycemia in older diabetics

The major reasons for maintenance of euglycemia in older persons with diabetes are listed in Table II. There is evidence that age interacts with diabetes to accelerate the rate at which secondary complications, such as retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy, occur [15]. Progression rate of retinopathy in older persons has been shown to be directly related to their HbA^sub 1^C level [16]. Persons with diabetes are more likely to develop infection, including recurrence of tuberculosis [17]. Osmotic diuresis from elevated glucose levels leads to nocturia with interference of sleep, increased incontinence and dehydration. Dehydration is particularly likely to occur in older persons because of their impaired thirst drive [18].

Diabetics are more likely to complain of pain than other persons with chronic diseases [19]. Infusion of glucose into healthy young men decreased both the pain threshold and the maximal pain tolerated [20]. Older male diabetics could tolerate less pain than age- matched non-diabetics. Glucose appears to decrease pain-tolerance by inhibiting the ability of beta-endorphin to down-regulate perceived pain.

Table II. Reasons for the maintenance of euglycemia in older persons.

Diabetes, besides being associated with an increased incidence of vascular ulcers, is also associated with a higher incidence of pressure ulcers [20]. In diabetics, these ulcers tend to heal slower.

Postprandial hypotension is associated with an increase in falls, syncope, stroke, myocardial infarction and death [21]. It is stimulated by carbohydrate which releases the vasodilatory peptide, calcitonin gene related peptide [22]. Postprandial hypotension is more common in persons with diabetes mellitus.

Aretaeus, the Cappadocian (~AD80) stated that diabetes is a disease ofthe stomach. Diabetes, especially when poorly controlled, delays stomach emptying [23]. This can interact with the delayed stomach emptying already seen in older persons [24]. Poor glycemic control compared to good control is associated with a marked increase in gastrointestinal symptoms including dysphagia, heartburn, nausea, postprandial fullness, diarrhea, constipation and fecal incontinence.

Zinc deficiency occurs in approximately 10% of older diabetics [25,26]. Diabetes is associated with impaired zinc absorption. In addition, glucose infusion results in hyperzincuria. Zinc deficiency has been associated with decreased phytohemoglutinin T cell proliferation, increased lipid peroxidation, decreased zinc serum thymic factor, decreased antioxidant activity, decreased wound healing and decreased testosterone levels [27].

Impaired cognition, functional decline and diabetes

A systematic literature review found that diabetes, hypertension, stroke and arthritis were the conditions most likely to be associated with subsequent functional decline [28]. The Manitoba Longitudinal Study on Aging showed in a 12-year follow-up study of 3,573 individuals 65 to 84 years of age that not having diabetes was one of the factors that predicted maintaining functional independence [29]. Numerous other studies from around the world have shown that diabetes is a strong predictor of disability [5,6,30, 31,32]. In the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), disability was found to be present in 39% of diabetic men and 63% of diabetic women [30]. In men, but not women, stroke was an important predictor of disability.

The All Wales Research in Elderly Diabetes (AWARE) study compared 400 diabetics over the age of 65 years with an age-matched cohort of nondiabetics [33]. This study found that diabetics had a greater disability on the Barthel Index and were more likely to use a walking aid. This study also found that diabetics were less likely to read, use the telephone, go out socially, write letters or garden than were non-diabetics.

Lower body disability and impaired mobility are particularly common in older person with diabetes [34]. A community based study found that persons with diabetes mellitus were more likely to have injurious falls than non-diabetics [6]. Maurer et al. [35] found in a nursing home that the fall rate in persons with diabetes was 78% and only 30% in those without. Multiple factors besides lower body disability, such as visual impairment, orthostatic hypotension, postprandial hypotension and cognitive impairment appear to play a role in the increased fall risk seen in older diabetics. It should be recognized that autonomic abnormalities, such as orthostatic hypotension, are among the earliest manifestations of diabetes [36].

Animal studies have demonstrated that hyperglycemia, as well as hypoglycemia, is associated with poor memory [37]. Numerous community based studies have found that Type II diabetes mellitus is associated with cognitive impairment [38,39,40]. In older women, Gregg et al. [41] reported a 2-fold increase in cognitive impairment when followed for 6 years. Improvement of glucose control in older diabetics has been demonstrated to result in improvement in cognitive function [42,43]. Type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk in developing vascular dementia [44].

The possible reasons for diabetes and poor diabetic control being associated with cognitive impairment are listed in Table III. Diabetics, besides having an increased likelihood of developing vascular dementia, also appear to be more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease [45]. Depression is more common in persons with diabetes than in those without diabetes [46]. Depression is a key factor in worsening diabetic control, decreased treatment compliance, hospitalization and subsequent death in persons with diabetes [15,47].

Hyperinsulinemia has been associated with poor cognitive function and insulin administered directly into the hippocampus in mice produces poor memory [49 and unpublished observations). Hypertriglyceridemia has been associated with delirium. Elevated triglycrides in persons with Type II diabetes are associated with poor performance on the digit symbol substitution test, digit span backward test and reaction time [48]. In a second study, elevated triglycerides were associated with poor retrieval from semantic memory in Type II diabetics [49]. Finally, reducing hypertrigylceridemia with gemfibrozil improved cerebral blood flow and function on the cognitive capacity screening examination [50]. Our unpublished studies in mice have shown that triglycerides injected into the brain can impair memory and in vitro triglycerides impair long term potentiation. Lowering hypertriglyceridemia with gemfibrozil in mice improves memory and reduces oxidative damage.

Table III. Potential causes of poor cognition in older persons with diabetes mellitus.

Leptin enhances long term potentiation and improves memory [51]. Hypertriglyceridemia impairs the ability of leptin to cross the blood brain barrier and enter the brain [52]. Thus, impaired ability of leptin to enter the brain may provide another mechanism by which hypertriglyceridemia impairs memory.

Overall, the recognition of the role of hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia in impaired cognition and functional impairment represents a key reason for maintenance of good diabetic control.

Diabetes and hypertension

The United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKDPS) demonstrated that lowering blood pressure to below 150/85 mm Hg found a decrease in microvascular disease, heart failure, and mortality in the well controlled group [53]. Treatment of hypertension appeared to be more effective than treating glucose in improving outcomes. There was no difference between those subjects receiving atenolol compared to those receiving captopril. Because of the entry age cut off of 65 years, this study cannot be applied to persons over 75 years of age.

The ALLHAT/The Antihypertensive and LipidLowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial) followed 33,357 patients with a mean age of 67 years [54]. Type 2 diabetes was present in 36%. Chlorthalidone reduced heart failure to a greater degree than did amlodipine and was more effective than lisinopril in reducing blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular events. Persons with diabetes had similar results as those without diabetes.

Numerous studies have investigated the effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers in older persons with diabetes and hypertension [55,56,57]. They appear effective at reducing cardiovascular endpoints and microalbuminuria. The available data does not support that they are more effective than other antihypertensive medications. Both ramipril and losartan appear to lower the risk of diabetes occurring in persons over 55 years of age [56,58]. The reason for this is not apparent, though there is some evidence that these drugs may enhance skeletal muscle function and thus lower insulin resistance.

Diabetes and hypogonadism

It is now well recognized that late onset hypogonadism is a very common condition [59]. Diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased prevalence of hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism [60,61]. The reasons for this are uncertain, but the above mentioned zinc deficiency may be one of the causes. In addition, adipokines, such as leptin and tumor necrosis factor alpha, may play a role. Increased insulin levels decrease sex hormone binding globulin levels, leading to a decrease in total testosterone. Testosterone replacement therapy may have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity in older diabetic men with late onset hypogonadism. A reduction in fat mass in response to testosterone replacement therapy leads to decreased circulating free fatty acids, possibly resulting in an improvement of insulin sensitivity. Until recently, however, the available data on testosterone replacement therapy for enhancing insulin sensitivity in older men with diabetes does not yet exist.

Diabetes and Nutrition

We have to lament that our mode of cure is so contrary to the inclinations of the efficacy of the [diet] regimen, and the impropriety of deviation, yet they commonly trespass, concealing what they feel as a transgression on themselves. They express a regret that a medicine could not be discovered however nauseous or distasteful, which would suppress the necessity of any restriction of diet.

(John Rolo, 1798)

Two studies have shown that at least in older persons in nursing homes, a regular diet and even ingestion of concentrated sweets makes little difference to glycemie control [62,63]. This has led to both the American Diabetic Association and the American Dietetic Association to no longer recommend the use of therapeutic diabetic diets in nursing homes [64,65]. The major reason to avoid diabetic diets in older persons is that they can interact with the anorexia of aging and lead to inappropriate weight loss and malnutrition.

Recent studies have strongly suggested that the hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia following ingestion of a meal are more strongly related to future atherosclerotic cardiac disease than are fasting glucose levels [66]. The mechanism (s) of this effect include oxidative stress, tissue glycation, endothelial dysfunction, activation of coagulation and toxic effects of triglycerides and free fatty acids. The area of the hyperglycemic excursion following a meal can be limited by adding high fiber foods or polyunsaturated fatty acids to the meal.

Diabetics have an increase in gut wall permeability [67] which can lead to increased translocation of bacteria from the gut into the portal vein and thoracic duct. This leads to an increase in circulating endotoxins, such as lipopolysacarides, with activation of monocytes. Monocyte activation results in increased circulating cytokines, e.g. tumor necro\sis factor a. Elevated cytokines can result in anorexia, muscle loss (sarcopenia), functional decline and immune dysfunction. The use of prebiotics, e.g. oligofructosaccharides, may result in a decrease in cytokine production by altering the intestinal bacterial milieu.

Homocysteine levels are often elevated in older diabetics and are associated with accelerated atherosclerosis, osteopenia and Alzheimer's disease [68]. One cause of high homocysteine levels is vitamin B12 deficiency, which occurs more commonly in diabetics. The diagnosis can be made by the combination of a low or borderline low vitamin Bi2 level and an elevated methylmalonic acid level. High dose folate will lower the levels in some other patients.

A number of other nutritional issues need to be considered in the older diabetic. These include (i) zinc replacement in older persons with vascular or pressure ulcers, (ii) high doses of vitamin C and E can interfere with the glucose oxidation reaction used to measure blood glucose levels, (iii) low magnesium levels, that occur with osmotic diuresis, may lead to increased levels of systolic hypertension, (iv) hypovitaminosis D is common in medical patients with diabetes [69] and there is an increased incidence of hip fracture in older diabetics [70], (v) high copper levels may accelerate atherosclerosis and (vi) the role of chromium together with nicotinic acid (glucose tolerance factor) in diabetics is uncertain, but appears minor [71].

Lifestyle interventions and diabetes

A number of studies have demonstrated that in middle-aged persons lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise) can reduce the progression of impaired glucose tolerance to Type II diabetes by approximately 50% [72,73,74]. This is in keeping with a large epidemiological study of 42,000 males aged 40 to 75 years where it was demonstrated that a 'western' style pattern (refined grains, red meat, French fries, high-fat dairy products and sweets/desserts) and low physical activity were associated with an increase in risk for Type 2 diabetes [75]. Moderate alcohol consumption, at least 5 drinks/week was protective against developing Type II diabetes. In the intervention studies lifestyle modification was more protective than metformin or acarbose [76]. In persons over 60 years of age metformin was no better than placebo.

Exercise is recommended for all older persons with diabetes. An exercise program should consist of endurance, resistance, balance, postural and flexibility exercises.

Medications and diabetes

In general, the same drugs as are used for the management of older as well as younger diabetics with some caveats (Table IV). A particularly important point is to recognize that in older persons loss of muscle mass can lead to severe renal failure occurring in the presence of a normal creatinine - the so-called 'concealed renal failure' [77]. This can lead to increased adverse drug reactions to water soluble drugs such as oral hypoglycemic agents, digoxin and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.

Table IV. Medications used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in older men.

The United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study demonstrated that it is very difficult to maintain intensive control of diabetes, as demonstrated by an increase in HbA^sub 1^C from approximately 6 to 8 over twelve years [78]. However, it should be pointed out that increases in the conventional care group were even higher. In middle- aged diabetics who were obese, metformin proved to be the most effective drug at improving outcomes. However, metformin tends to become less effective in older diabetics and the development of renal dysfunction with aging and disease such as congestive heart failure increase the risk of lactic acidosis occurring. In the United States metformin is not recommended for persons over 80 years of age. Metformin also can cause anorexia and weight loss [79] which can accelerate the development of protein energy undernutrition, a common problem in older persons [80].

Sulfonylurea drugs are still commonly used in older persons. Chlorpropramide should not be used over the age of 65 years as it has a prolonged half-life and is associated with a high incidence of hyponatremia. Similarly glybenclamide is not recommended in persons over 70 years of age. Glyburide, glipizide, and glimeperide all can be used safely in older persons. There does not appear to be a major difference between the drugs, with an equivalent prevalence of hypoglycemia occurring when they obtain the same degree of hypoglycemia. In some very old individuals, tolbutamide once a day may be sufficient to maintain euglycemia. Repaglinide, a meglitinide, and nateglinide, a D-phenylalanine derivative, have very short half-lives and therefore, need to be given multiple times a day making them less useful in older persons. There is no difference in hypoglycemic episodes between these agents and sulfonylureas.

Thiazolidinediones work by activating the PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor). These drugs enhance peripheral tissue sensitivity to insulin. Troglitizone was withdrawn because of a high level of liver failure associated with its use. At present pioglitasone and rosiglitasone are available. They are excellent monotherapy drugs in the old-old (> 80 years of age). These drugs are associated with occasional liver dysfunction, water retention and occasionally overt heart failure.

The alpha-1 glucosidase inhibitors, acarbose and miglitol, are drugs which tend to smooth out the glycemic excursion following a meal. This appears to be due to both delayed carbohydrate digestion and absorption as well as due to an increase in glucagonlike peptide- 1 [81]. These drugs are about half as effective as sulfonylureas at lowering the HbA^sub 1^C [82]. They are associated with abdominal pain, flatulence and diarrhoea. Acarbose has been demonstrated to decrease cardiovascular events in people with impaired glucose tolerance [83].

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a peptide that is produced by the duodenum and stimulates insulin production, inhibits hepatic glucose production, delays gastric emptying and produces anorexia. Recently, a frog skin homolog, GLP-1 receptor agonist, exendin-4, has been approved in the United States for treatment of Type 2 diabetes. It lowers Hb A^sub 1^C by approximately 1 in persons who are not controlled on sulfonylureas and/or metformin [84]. It is uncertain whether it will have a place in the management of the older diabetic.

Because of the problems with polypharmacy in older persons, it makes sense to move to insulin earlier, rather than later, when glycemic control cannot be easily obtained with oral agents. Of course, this approach depends on the ability of the older person or the caretaker to monitor blood glucose and administer insulin. Intermediate acting (NPH) and short-acting regular insulin remain the mainstay of the management of the older diabetic. Long acting drugs such as glargine insulin increase the risk for hypoglycemia when the older person doesn't eat or food is delayed. Rapid acting insulins require administration 3 times a day and in the nursing home they are often given at a routine time and lead to hypoglycemia when the meal is delivered late.

Of the drugs under development, dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) IV inhibitors appear to have the most promise for older diabetics. This enzyme is a member of a family of serine peptidases [85]. DPP inhibitors increase the release of insulin by stabilizing circulating concentrations of the gut incretin hormones via GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP). Efficacy of this drug-type has been demonstrated in humans [86].

The interdisciplinary team

The goals of diabetic management programs for the older people should be to optimize glycemic control for minimizing metabolic decompensation and long term complications and improve quality of life. Accordingly, managing diabetes in older persons requires an interdisciplinary team. Use of a team of health professionals has been shown to improve diabetic care over a single provider [87]. For the team to be optimally effective, physician extenders need to have the ability to make changes in medication dosage.

A number of studies have demonstrated that short-term educational programs can not only improve knowledge, but produce modest improvements in glycated hemoglobin, blood pressure and perceived quality of life [88,89,90,91,92,93]. Frequent followup and self- monitoring of blood glucose are key components to success. Older persons were shown to have low participation in self-monitoring of blood glucose in two studies [87,94].


In older persons the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus requires a fasting glucose of greater than 126 mg/dl (7 mmol/L) or a postprandial glucose greater than 200 mg/dL(11.1 mmol/L). Older diabetics have multiple problems due to the interaction of the aging process with the disease. This means that they are best treated within an interdisciplinary team. Both blood pressure and glucose should be carefully controlled, while minimizing hypoglycemia and orthostatic hypotension.



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Division of Geriatric Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Musouri, USA

Correspondence: John E. Morley, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1402 S. Grand Blvd., M238, St. Louis Missouri 63104, USA. Tel: 1 314 977 8462. Fax: 1 314 771 8575. E-mail: [email protected]

Copyright Taylor & Francis Ltd. Sep 2006

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