Quality of life in older adults with diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Introduction: quality of life in older adults is related to economic security and social inclusion; diabetes mellitus can affect their quality of life. Objective: to evaluate the quality of life in older adults with diabetes mellitus, medical office 3, Elena Fernández de Castro Polyclinic, Los Palacios, from January 2022 to May 2023. Method: an action-research was carried out with the purpose of evaluating the quality of life of older adults with Diabetes Mellitus. We worked with a universe of 190 patients aged 60 years and over, selecting a non-probabilistic sample of 48 diabetic older adults. Theoretical and empirical methods were used and a statistical analysis was applied, using absolute and relative numbers. Results: Older adults between 70 and 74 years of age (33,3 %), female (60,1 %), with an unfinished primary school level (22,9 %), type 2 diabetics (87,5 %), with less than five years of diagnosis (50 %) predominated. Most were independent in basic activities of daily living and instrumental activities; they had complete adherence to treatment (58,3 %); the most frequent complications were foot and leg injuries (47,9 %); after carrying out health actions, risk factors such as smoking, sedentary lifestyle and bad eating habits were modified; most of the basic diseases were controlled. Conclusions: The improvement in the quality of life of diabetic older adults, was raised with health actions, community and intersectoral participation avoiding new complications.