Diabetes and Physical Functioning in Older People

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The impact of diabetes mellitus on physical functioning in older people, by AJ Sinclair and colleagues. Diabetes Care. Published online ahead of print on 16 November 2007

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

Diabetes and its related illnesses can affect patients’ mobility and physical functioning. In other words, it can make it harder for patients to move around easily and perform daily tasks, such as climbing stairs, carrying groceries, bathing, or dressing.

Why did researchers do this particular study?

The researchers wanted to learn more about how diabetes affects the physical functioning of older people.

Who was studied?

About 400 diabetic patients who were at least 65 years old and the same number of similar patients without diabetes, all of whom received care from medical practices in Wales.

How was the study done?

Trained research nurses interviewed patients about and evaluated them for medical conditions, social problems, and physical abilities. The nurses also consulted patients’ family members and medical records when necessary. Information gathered from diabetic patients was compared to that of similar participants without diabetes.

What did the researchers find?

People with diabetes had more illnesses and were more likely to have serious problems with physical functioning than nondiabetic people within the same community.

What were the limitations of the study?

The study took place in Wales and may not apply to other populations. Diabetic and nondiabetic participants were matched by sex and age, but not by ethnicity. Reports gathered from patients about their abilities and conditions may not have been accurate.

What are the implications of the study?

Older people with diabetes are likely to face numerous physical problems because of their poor health. Because of the many diabetes-related factors that can affect physical functioning, they may benefit from health care services and diabetes care plans that are tailored to their individual needs and from exercise programs designed to improve their physical abilities.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Aging and physical functioning

Exercise and diabetes

Aging and diabetes