Blood glucose and diabetes mellitus in subjects aged 85 years or more.

Blood and urine glucose values and the prevalence of diabetes mellitus were determined in the course of a health survey covering inhabitants of Tampere, Finland, aged 85 or over. Out of the total cohort, 561 (83%) subjects, of whom 82% were women, were examined. A high blood glucose level (greater than or equal to 7.0 mmol/l) was recorded in 10% of the males and 7% of the females. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the series was 17%. Five per cent of the total series were on drug treatment for their diabetes; 5% of the diabetics were on insulin therapy and 25% took oral antidiabetic drugs, while 70% were either on diet or had no treatment. Diabetes seems to be common among the very aged, but it is generally mild and easy to treat.