Profile glycemia of individual attended in an institution of seniors of Feira de Santana-BA from August to October 2006

Abstract

The health of older patients is very important because advanced age results in a reduction of metabolic rates and contributes to the fragility and poor general health of the elderly people. Plasma glucose levels increase by approximately 2 mg/dL/ per decade after 40 years of age, and it is caused by: a decrease in the synthesis and/ or secretion of insulin, a decrease in peripheral sensitivity, alteration of corporal composition, and a decrease in physical activity. Additionally, as old age evolves, there is a gradual decrease in glomerular filtration flux. The present study evaluated the glycemia profiles of people assisted by the Lar do Irmão Velho (LIV) in Feira de Santana, Bahia, during the period between August and October, 2006, by measuring glycemia levels. Blood was collected from 51 elderly people, with each individual participating only in the trials. Blood samples were analyzed at the Laboratory of Clinical Analyses of State University of Feira de Santana where glycemia was measured using enzymatic colorimetric analysis. The age, sex and previous diagnosis of diabetes in the patients were taken into consideration. It was noted that 11,8% of the patients had hypoglycemia. 15,7% of the patients were diabetic and, 50% of those did not have controlled serum glucose levels. It was not possible to diagnose new cases of diabetes as only a single blood sample was taken from each participant.