Comparative analysis of risk for falls in patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus

To compare frequency and risk of falls based on a functional mobility test in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.

Cross-sectional study involving patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) selected by convenience sampling. Men and women between the ages of 50 and 65 were included and divided as group 1 (G1) - with DM2 diagnosis for < 10 years fasting blood glucose at interview/test time, as well as prior > 200 mg/dL; and group 2 (G2) - no diabetes, same age group, and fasting blood glucose < 100 mg/dL. Both groups responded to a structured questionnaire about their health, fall risk, and underwent a physical exam and a mobility assessment test (Timed Up and Go - TUG). The results were analyzed by the software SPSS, with TUG being categorized in ranges of risk for fall. We considered that the risk was positive for all those who fit into medium- and high-risk range.

Fifty patients with DM2 and 68 patients without DM2 were assessed. There were no statistical differences in the number of falls between the groups, however non-diabetic subjects obtained a higher performance in TUG test (p = 0.003) as the risk categories were observed. Reduced visual acuity and difficulty in getting up were more frequently reported in G1 (p < 0.05).

There appears to be an association between hyperglycemic status and poorer mobility, with an increased fall risk even in younger patients and in those with shorter disease duration.