Functional status measurement in elderly diabetic patients.
Elderly diabetic subjects are at particularly high risk for a wide range of physical, emotional, cognitive, and social functional impairments. The primary physician therefore is well advised to systematically assess the functional status of such patients, either by traditional informal methods or, preferably, by implementing some systematic approach. One practical three-step approach involves identifying which abilities are particularly important to or endangered in a given patient, listing these on the Diabetes Data Flow Sheet and briefly reviewing them with the patient on a periodic basis, and using a functional problem list as a guide to effective and timely intervention and follow-up.
O'Connor
P J
PJ
Department of Family Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington.
Jacobson
A M
AM
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male