| Popis: |
Diabetes mellitus affects at least 6% of the U.S. population, and at least another 6% of diabetics may be undiagnosed (1). However, in persons 65 yr and older, 11% have diabetes with probably another 8% being undiagnosed. Of all diabetics in the U.S., 43% are 65 yr and older. The vast majority of these individuals (90–95%) belong to the type II category and the rest belong to type I. Diabetic complications are more common the longer the duration of the disease has been present. A significant percentage of these complications come in the form of infections. Because these complications are generally related to disease duration, clinical problems are very frequently seen in the elderly population. Moreover, infectious complications in older diabetics have poorer outcomes. |
