Articles: blood-glucose-analysis.
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Acta medica Scandinavica · Jan 1983
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. ⋯ 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.
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Non-insulin-dependent diabetes can be treated using two criteria, the fasting blood glucose concentration and body weight. The feasibility of this means of control, aiming for a fasting blood glucose concentration of less than 6 mmol/liter (108 mg/dl) has been investigated in 10 general practices. Eight practices now use the method routinely. ⋯ Six practices preferred to have special clinics at which fasting blood glucose meaurements were taken. Two practices achieved good results with the administration and tests being undertaken by a practical nurse, with supervision from the general practitioner. Assessment of control by four fasting blood glucose determinations a year is less expensive than regular urine tests, and may improve blood glucose control.