The effects of diabetes on outcome after hip fracture

Recent studies have suggested that patients with a history of diabetes undergoing hip fracture stabilization have higher rates of morbidity and mortality as well as poorer functional results than control groups of non-diabetics. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of diabetes on patient outcome after hip fracture. Between July 1987 and December 1996, 849 community dwelling elderly who sustained an operatively treated hip fracture were prospectively followed to determine the effect of diabetes on patient outcome. The predictor variable was the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus. Ninety-three patients (11%) had a history of diabetes. Diabetic patients were more dependent in activities of daily living and ambulation prior to hip fracture. The presence of diabetes mellitus also increased the likelihood of a patient dying during hospitalization, but had no effect on recovery of ambulatory ability or activities of daily living. Although diabetic patients have increased in-hospital mortality when compared to non-diabetic patients, patients with diabetes are just as likely to recover pre-fracture functional status as non-diabetic patients.