Exploring the relationship between glycated hemoglobin levels and geriatric syndromes in elderly patients with diabetes (a cross-sectional study)

Abstract

Background. One common chronic condition is diabetes mellitus (DM), which is more prevalent in the elderly and is often linked to a variety of issues and concomitant conditions. Geriatric symptoms, such as depression, weakness, tiredness, and insomnia, are known to impact health outcomes in this demographic significantly. Objective. This study investigated the connection between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and geriatric symptoms in seniors with diabetes. Methods. An appropriate sample of fifty senior people (60–85 years old) with diabetes mellitus was selected from the outpatient ward of Saveetha Hospital. The HbA1c values were assessed in addition to examinations for geriatric symptoms using established measures. Potential correlations between HbA1c levels and geriatric syndromes were examined by statistical analysis. Results. The following variables showed significant positive relationships with HbA1c levels: frailty (r = 0.571, p < 0.000), fatigue (r = 0.725, p < 0.000), sleeplessness (r = 0.631, p < 0.000), and geriatric depression (r = 0.529, p < 0.000). Conclusion. In older diabetes mellitus patients, higher HbA1c levels were linked to a higher prevalence of fatigue, insomnia, frailty, and depression. These results emphasize the need for glycemic control in treating geriatric diseases in this population.