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Diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and lower-extremity function.

Nancy S Chiles¹, Caroline L Phillips², Stefano Volpato³

¹Doctoral Program in Gerontology, University of Maryland Baltimore and Baltimore County, 660 West Redwood Street, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21201-1596, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland Baltimore, 660 W. Redwood St, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21201-1596, USA.

Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications

|October 15, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Diabetes in older adults is linked to poorer physical function and nerve damage. This study found that diabetes significantly impacts physical performance and nerve function, with nerve damage partially explaining the decline in physical ability.

Keywords:

Geriatrics Gerontology Lower extremity function Peripheral neuropathy

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Area of Science:

Gerontology
Diabetology
Neurology

Background:

Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent condition in older adults, often leading to significant health complications.
Reduced lower-extremity function and physical disability are common consequences of diabetes in this population.
Peripheral nerve dysfunction (PND) is a potential mechanism linking diabetes to diminished physical function.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the association between diabetes, impaired fasting glucose, and objective measures of physical function in older adults.
To identify specific peripheral nerve function (PNF) tests associated with diabetes.
To determine if PNF mediates the relationship between diabetes and physical function.

Main Methods:

The study analyzed data from 983 participants aged 65+ from the InCHIANTI study.
Physical performance was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and usual walking speed.
Peripheral nerve function (PNF) was evaluated through peroneal nerve conduction velocity, vibration, and touch sensitivity, leading to a neuropathy score.

Main Results:

Diabetic participants (12.8%) exhibited significantly lower SPPB scores and walking speed compared to non-diabetic individuals.
Diabetes was associated with decreased nerve conduction velocity and increased neuropathy scores.
Accounting for nerve conduction velocity and neuropathy score reduced the impact of diabetes on SPPB by 20%.

Conclusions:

Diabetes is independently associated with poorer physical function and impaired peripheral nerve function in older adults.
Peripheral nerve function partially mediates the negative effects of diabetes on physical performance.
These findings highlight the importance of managing PNF in older adults with diabetes to preserve physical function.