Visual Abstract

Background: A growing number of older adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) live into old age, yet, little is known about the burden of and sex differences in diabetes-related complications in this unique group.

Methods: We examined the prevalence of diabetes-related complications in 780 adults aged ≥60 with T1D from the Study of Longevity in Diabetes (SOLID) overall and by sex across categories of T1D duration (<20 years, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50+). Complications were self-reported: retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, lifetime severe hypoglycemic event or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) resulting in inpatient/ ED utilization. Sex differences were examined using logistic regression models adjusted for diabetes duration, age, and race/ethnicity.

Results: Average (SD) age at baseline and duration of T1D were 67.3 (6.4) and 39.5 (14.9). Among those with T1D ≥50 years (Figure), prevalence of retinopathy, neuropathy and lifetime severe hypoglycemic event were all >60%. Women were more likely to report retinopathy (OR=1.49; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.03) and DKA (OR=1.92; 1.39, 2.66); no other sex differences were observed.

Conclusions: Results quantify the burden of complications across a range of T1D duration and report key sex differences. Findings underscore how widespread diabetes-related complications are in those with longer T1D duration and highlight complications that disproportionately impact women.

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Disclosure

M. L. Leigh: None. P. Gilsanz: None. C. Moran: None. A. J. Karter: Research Support; Self; Dexcom, Inc. R. A. Whitmer: None.

Funding

National Institute on Aging (R01AG047500); National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (KL2TR001996)

© 2021 by the American Diabetes Association
2021
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