Diabetes mellitus in the extreme longevity.

Epidemiological studies have revealed a progressive increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the elderly. Numerous factors are responsible for this trend, among them there are (a) the long-lasting disease due the improved therapeutic remedial (pharmacological, dietary treatments and physical activity), (b) the increased life span expectancy. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in long living subjects is lower than in elderly people (subjects aged from 65 to 84). Senile diabetes is prevalent in long living people, and usually begins after 90 years. The incidence of neodiagnosed diabetes is higher in the oldest old than in the elderly people. Based on the results, diabetes mellitus is a negative factor for survival, and does not usually allow to achieve very old age, i.e. centenarian.