Diabetes and Smell in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Pleasants Hanna, Chen Honglei, Mosley Tom, Chamberlin Keran, Yuan Yaqun, Shrestha Srishti, Pinto Jayant, Kucharska-Newton Anna
Primary Institution: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Hypothesis
Is there a long-term association between diabetes and olfactory impairment in older adults?
Conclusion
The study found that diabetes in midlife is associated with poorer olfactory function in older age.
Supporting Evidence
- Diabetes prevalence at midlife was associated with poor olfaction in older adulthood.
- Greater HbA1c in midlife was linked to lower olfaction scores in older adulthood.
- Associations were weaker when diabetes and HbA1c were measured in older adulthood.
Takeaway
If you have diabetes when you're younger, it might make it harder to smell things when you're older.
Methodology
The study used binary logistic regression and linear regression to analyze the association between diabetes and olfaction.
Participant Demographics
58.6% female, 22.7% Black race, mean age 55.0 at midlife and 75.8 at older adulthood.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
1.02, 1.53
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website