Recorded presentation

Victoria H. Raveis, PhD¹, Jonathan N. Tobin, PhD², Monique Carrero, MS¹, and Diana S. Catz, PhD, MPH². (1) Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 100 Haven Avenue, Suite 6A, New York, NY 10032, 212 304 5563, vhr1@columbia.edu, (2) Clinical Directors Network, Inc., 5 West 37th Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018

Background: Diabetes is a commonly occurring health condition in older adults, leading to complications that can severely impact quality of life and hasten death. In minority populations, the rates of Type 2 diabetes are disproportionately high and diabetic complications are particularly prevalent, with African-Americans and Hispanics experiencing a disproportionate number of adverse consequences living with the disease. Patient self-management activities are complex and lifestyle restricting. Methods: Low income and minority patients with diabetes attending an outpatient clinic designed to promote self-management goals and monitor disease status completed a survey assessing their diabetes-related caregiving needs. The majority of the sample, 59%, were 50 and older, 70% women, and 84% Hispanic. About one-quarter were diagnosed in the past year, 27% 1-4 years ago, 21% 5-10 years ago, and 22% 10+ years. Results: A sizable minority needed assistance in a variety of diabetes self-management activities. For those who identified someone as helping them with these activities, family members were mentioned most often. Older (60+) patients required more assistance with diabetes self-management tasks compared to younger patients. Among older patients, those living with diabetes for 5+ years needed more help with diabetes self-management compared to the more recently diagnosed. Conclusions: Adherence to self-management regimens is a major component of diabetes treatment. The burden of self-care is considerable in the elderly. Given the demands inherent in managing the disease over time, families play an integral role in elders’ care routines. Diabetes self-management programs for the older patient should target caregiver education and support.

Learning Objectives:

• 3. Recognize the informal care needs of persons with diabetes.
  7. Articulate the special needs associated with diabetes in an aging population.
  11. Describe the diabetes self-care context in a minority (Hispanic) population.

Keywords: Elderly, Diabetes

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation