Population-based cross-sectional study of 11 645 Spanish nonagenarians with type 2 diabetes mellitus: cardiovascular profile, cardiovascular preventive therapies, achievement goals and sex differences

Objectives To evaluate the risk profile, achievement of cardiometabolic goals, and frequency and optimal use of cardiovascular preventive therapies among nonagenarians with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). To investigate possible sex differences. Design and setting A cross-sectional population study of 11 645 persons aged ≥90 years with T2DM living in Madrid (Spain). Sociodemographic, clinical and therapy profiles were collected through electronic records in primary care. We considered antihypertensive therapy and lipid-lowering therapy to be optimal when known patients with hypertension with albuminuria received renin–angiotensin system blockers and statins had been prescribed for overt cardiovascular disease. Results The prevalence of coronary artery disease was higher in males than in females (21.5% vs 12.6%, p Conclusion Our study showed that the risk of cerebrovascular disease was similar in both male and female Spanish nonagenarians. Adherence was poorer in females for all criteria of optimal use of cardiovascular preventive therapies. Our findings indicate that the known sex differences in younger patients with T2DM persist in patients aged ≥90 years. There is considerable room for improvement in standards of preventive care in nonagenarians with T2DM, especially in females.