Citation

van Hateren KJ, Kleefstra N, Blanker MH, Ubink-Veltmaat LJ, Groenier KH, Houweling ST, Kamper AM, van der Meer K, Bilo HJG. Br. J. Gen. Pract. 2012; 62(603): 696-702.

Affiliation

Diabetes Centre, Isala Clinics, Zwolle, the Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Royal College of General Practitioners)

DOI

10.3399/bjgp12X656838

PMID

23265229

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although orthostatic hypotension (OH) is more prevalent in old age, and in patients with diabetes, the prevalence of OH in older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is unknown. AIM: To establish the prevalence of OH, and its association with falling, in home-dwelling older participants with and without type 2 diabetes. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study in primary care in the Netherlands. METHOD: A total of 352 patients with type 2 diabetes, and 211 without participated in this study. OH was defined as a fall in blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic after either 1 or 3 minutes in an upright position. Feelings of dizziness, light-headedness, or faintness during the standing period were documented as orthostatic complaints. Fall risk was assessed with a validated risk profile instrument. RESULTS: The prevalence of OH was 28% (95% CI = 24% to 33%) and 18% (95% CI = 13% to 23%) in participants with and without type 2 diabetes, respectively. OH was not related to falling, while the presence of orthostatic complaints in itself was associated with both previous fall incidents as well as a high fall risk, even after adjustment for OH. The adjusted odds ratios were 1.65 (95% CI = 1.00 to 2.72) and 8.21 (95% CI = 4.17 to 16.19), respectively. CONCLUSION: OH is highly prevalent in home-dwelling older people with and without type 2 diabetes. Those with orthostatic complaints had an increased risk for falling, whereas those with OH were not.

Language: en