Impact of diabetes on physical function in older people.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the nature of functional impairment in older people with diabetes.


METHODS
A population-based case-control study with detailed assessment of diabetes and functional status was undertaken.


RESULTS
Altogether, 403 case subjects and 403 matched control subjects were studied (median age 75 years, 51% female). Subjects with diabetes had more comorbidities than control subjects (mean 2.5 vs. 1.9, P < 0.0001) and were more likely to have severe functional impairment (4 vs. 1%, Barthel score <5, P < 0.001). Health status pertaining to physical function was reduced in case subjects (SF36 60 vs. 40, P < 0.0001). In a multivariate model controlling for age, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, osteoarthritis, and dementia, diabetes remained significantly associated with mobility limitation (odds ratio 2.1, P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Older people with diabetes have considerable functional impairment associated with reduced health status. This population may benefit from comprehensive geriatric assessment and tailored diabetes management.
Sinclair
Alan J
AJ
University of Bedfordshire, Luton, UK. sinclair0.5@btinternet.com
Conroy
Simon P
SP
Bayer
Antony J
AJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003704:Dementia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000453:epidemiology; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000453:epidemiology; D012016:Reference Values; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology; D014852:Wales
D001786:Blood Glucose; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin