Prevalence and Predictors of Co-occurring Diabetes and Hypertension in Community-dwelling Older Adults

Aim: The objectives of the present study were to estimate the prevalence of co-occurring diabetes and hypertension among older adults, examine predictors of co-occurring diabetes and hypertension, and ascertain whether predictors varied by race.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was carried out using a statewide survey of Alabama community-dwelling older adults (n = 1204). Measures of central tendency and frequency distributions were used for univariate analysis. Logistic regression was used to predict co-occurring diabetes and hypertension.

Results: The prevalence of co-occurring diabetes and hypertension among older adults was 17%. African American race (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.596-3.255), body mass index ≥30 (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.732-3.463), heart disease (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.355-2.756) and eye disease (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.018-2.024) were associated positively with co-occurring diabetes and hypertension.

Conclusions: The prevalence of co-occurring diabetes and hypertension among older adults was alarmingly high. The notable difference in the likelihood of co-occurring diabetes and hypertension is representative of a racial health disparity that largely disfavors African American older adults. Findings from the present study highlight a need for identification of older adults who have and who are at risk of co-occurring diabetes and hypertension in the general population and in clinical settings, and the development and implementation of suitable interventions, particularly targeting older African American adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1356-1360.