Macrovascular disease in the elderly with type 1 diabetes

Macrovascular disease (MVD) is a major complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus. However, accurate data on the prevalence and impact of macrovascular disease in the elderly with type 1 diabetes is lacking. This is despite life expectancy increasing in this population. Using data from over 400 general practices in the UK, the prevalence of macrovascular disease and factors associated with it were identified in elderly (over 65years) patients with type 1 diabetes for the year 2008.In this population, there was high prevalence of macrovascular disease(39.5%). Patients with macrovascular disease were significantly older, had a longer duration of diabetes, a positive history of smoking and higher HbA1cvalues. Our analysis demonstrates a high burden of macrovascular disease in elderly patients with type 1 diabetes. We need to explore how best to address this disease in this population.