Relationship Between Some Biochemical Findings and Diabetes and Hypertension in Individuals Aged 65 and Older

AbstractBackground: The global increase in the elderly population has led to a significant rise in chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. In Turkey, individuals aged 65 and older are projected to constitute 11.0% of the population by 2025. These demographic shifts highlight the importance of investigating age-related biochemical changes in the context of common chronic conditions. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between diabetes, hypertension, and selected biochemical parameters in individuals aged 65 and older, with the goal of identifying clinically relevant markers for disease management. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted with 296 participants aged 65 and over who presented to Kula State Hospital between January 1 and December 1, 2023. The levels of thiol, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant capacity (TOC), catalase, paraoxonase (PON), arylesterase (ARE), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were measured. Data distribution was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Results: One-third of type 2 diabetic patients with hypertension were found to have uncontrolled blood pressure. In these patients, ARE and TAC levels were significantly decreased (p<0.001), while PON and TOC levels were significantly elevated (p<0.001), indicating increased oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defense. Conclusion:Elderly individuals with diabetes and hypertension exhibit significant alterations in oxidative stress markers. These findings underscore the need for regular biochemical monitoring to guide clinical decision-making and improve disease management in this vulnerable population. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Oxidative stress, Biochemical markers, Elderly