BACKGROUND:

Due to increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the overall aging of the population, the number of elderly patients with T2DM is continuously growing. Given the risks associated with intensive glycemic control of those patients, the possibility of overtreatment must be considered.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the prevalence of intensive glycemic control and overtreatment in individuals >60 years with T2DM.

MATERIAL AND METHOD:

An observational, cross-sectional, retrospective and analytical study was done from 2013 to 2015. Individuals >60 years old with T2DM, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <7%, and use of hypoglycemic agents were included. Patients were divided into two groups: intensive glycemic control (HbA1c 6.6-7%) and overtreatment (HbA1c <6.5%). Cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular complications associated with treatment were compared by Z-test.

RESULTS:

There were included 13,229 patients older than 60 years with T2DM; 4,381 in 2013, 16% (n=701) was classified as intensive glycemic control and 6% (n=256) as overtreatment; 4,383 in 2014, 16% (n=697) as intensive glycemic control and 6% (n=252) as over-treatment; 4,465 in 2015, 16% (n=708) as intensive glycemic control and 6% (n=260) as overtreatment. By this period, adverse outcomes were reported in 5%, 3% and 1% during 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively; referring to intensive glycemic control group. Likewise, adverse outcomes were reported in 4% and 6% during 2013 and 2015, respectively; referring to overtreatment group. A value of Z-test -2.90 (p<0.05) was obtained, which was increased in overtreatment group.

CONCLUSIONS:

All data collected during the study highlights a significant increase of cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular adverse outcomes in patients with strict glycemic management, being hypoglycemia the most frequent; 16% are in intensive glycemic control and 6% in overtreatment.

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