Community-Based Epidemiologic Study on Gallstone Disease among Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Kinmen, Taiwan

Summary Background The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence and associated factors of gallstone disease among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes (≥ 60 years) in Kinmen, Taiwan. Methods In 2001, a panel of specialists performed ultrasound sonography screening on 594 elderly type 2 diabetic patients identified in 1991–1993. Of these, 298 (50.2%) patients were examined. Results Fifty-one out of 298 elderly type 2 diabetic patients were diagnosed with gallstone disease. The overall prevalence was 17.1% (men: 14.5%, women: 19.0%), which included the presence of single stone, 9.1% ( n = 27); multiple stones, 4.4% ( n = 13); and cholecystectomy, 3.7% ( n = 11). The significant risk factors of gallstone disease based on multiple logistic regression analysis were body mass index [odds ratio (OR) =1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09–1.37] and alanine transaminase (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03–1.10). Conclusion The elderly type 2 diabetic population had a slightly higher prevalence of gallstone disease than the general population but no statistical significance. A higher body mass index and alanine transaminase may increase the risk of developing gallstone disease.