Self-Reported Sensory and Dental Impairments in Chilean Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: Prevalence and Associated Factors.

AIM: To estimate the prevalence of self-reported visual, hearing, and dental impairments in Chilean older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), assess the association between T2DM and these conditions, and explore their common predictors.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study conducted between 2017 and 2019 with 358 community-dwelling individuals aged 65 and older in six Chilean cities. Sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle variables were collected through structured interviews. Logistic regression models were used to examine associations and identify predictors.

RESULTS

Individuals with T2DM reported significantly higher prevalence of visual (81%), hearing (32%), and dental (68%) impairments compared to those without T2DM (p<0.001). T2DM was significantly associated with all three impairments: visual (OR= 5.8), hearing (OR= 3.4), and dental (OR= 4.8). Duration of T2DM ≥11 years and presence of dyslipidemia were common predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the need to integrate sensory and dental health screening and management in primary care for older adults with T2DM in Latin America, especially in underserved community settings.