Health History Might Predict Life Expectancy in Seniors With Diabetes

A study in Diabetes Care suggests that doctors could predict the five- and 10-year life expectancy of older adults with diabetes by analyzing their health history, reports United Press International . The researchers listed 37 factors associated with, or suspected to impact, risk for death in diabetic older adults with "high predictive validity." They were accurately able to identify those who would die within five years, within 10 years, or more than 10 years later. "Our results identify multiple common conditions that can easily be identified in clinical practice and assist clinicians in shared decision-making with patients," said the VA Boston Healthcare System's Paul Conlin. Key factors that influence diabetes treatment objectives include co-existing health conditions like severe mental illness or cancer, along with diabetes complications such as chronic kidney disease and heart failure. The researchers said the final predictive models highlight the importance of several individual and condition-specific characteristics that might inform clinicians and patients about life expectancy. For instance, the benefits of reducing blood sugar can take several years to manifest, and may not be worth it for older adults with limited life expectancy due to other health problems. "Our goal was to use the best available information to inform decision-making in setting glucose control targets," said Conlin.