Correlates of diabetic complications in Mexican-American elders

This study was designed to examine the association of sociodemographic and health related factors with the development of diabetic complications in older Mexican Americans. Data came from the baseline interview of the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly (EPESE), conducted in 1993-1994, a population-based study of 3,050 Mexican Americans aged 65 and older from 5 southwestern states. A total of 690 subjects (23%) reported having been diagnosed with diabetes. Of these, 412 (60%) reported having one or more diabetic complications. Multiple logistic regression analysis found that respondents with less than 12 years of education were more likely to report diabetic complications than those with higher school education. Having diabetes for over 15 years, and having had a stroke or a heart attack were also associated with elevated rates of complications. Circulation problems were the most common complication reported by 280 (40%) respondents, followed by eye problems (38%), kidney problems (14%) and amputations (8%). Special attention should be given to sociodemographic and health-related factors influencing the health of older Mexican Americans. Identification of these factors will help physicians better control the disease to prevent complications.