Levels Of Depression In Diabetic Elders With Controlled And Uncontrolled Blood Glucose Levels

Depression is one of the most prevalent illnesses among elders. However, while it is one of the most treatable illnesses, depression is often the most neglected. It is well documented that depression leads to suicide. With the suicide rate among elders the highest of all age groups, it is imperative that health care providers become aware of the risk of depression among diabetic elders. Elders are at risk for depression with advancing age, loss of previous good health, and social interaction. The purpose of this nonexperimental, descriptive study is to compare depression levels in diabetic elders with controlled and uncontrolled blood glucose levels. The theoretical framework of the Neuman Systems Model (Neuman, 1982) will be used to guide the study. Neuman views man as adjusting to stress in the internal and external environment. Illness is viewed as a stressor to man. Several studies were reviewed on depression and chronic illnesses, but no studies were found that explored depression, specifically with diabetes. The hypothesis that will be tested is there is no difference in the level of depression in diabetic elders with controlled and uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Forty elders from four counties in NortheastMississippi, who are enrolled in a home health program, will comprise the sample group. The participants were administered the depression inventory in their own homes. An audit was done on the home health charts of each participant to obtain blood glucose levels for a 6-month period. The blood glucose levels will qualify the client as either a controlled or uncontrolled diabetic. The Beck Depression Inventory will be utilized to determine levels of depression. A t test was used to analyze the difference in the mean scores of the Beck Depression Inventory in the controlled and uncontrolled diabetic groups