Objective
To understand factors related to managing illness in older individuals with serious mental illness (SMI).
Methods
Baseline data from 200 individuals with SMI and diabetes enrolled in a study were used to compare characteristics between older (age > 55) vs. younger (age ≤ 55) individuals.
Results
Older individuals had better diabetes control compared to younger individuals, those with major depressive disorder had diabetes for a longer duration, worse diabetic control, and more emergency department encounters.
Conclusions
Helping younger individuals with SMI learn to manage their mental and physical health early-on might minimize the negative and cumulative effect of diabetes.