Risk Factors of Developing Dysmobility Syndrome in Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Population aging is a worldwide phenomenon, and aging-related diseases need to be given great attention. Dysmobility syndrome (DMS) was considered as a comprehensive approach to evaluate the condition of musculoskeletal system and adverse health problems in older population.

There is little research data on the correlation between type 2 diabetes and DMS in the elderly. The purpose of our study is to identify the risk factors for dysmobility syndrome (DMS) in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

A total of 262 patients aged >60 years who were diagnosed with T2DM at our department were included in a cross-sectional study and were divided into groups according to the development of DMS and the number of presentations, including osteoporosis, low muscle strength and mass, obesity, falls, and slow walking speed. Consequently, 128 patients with non-DMS were assigned to group A, 84 patients with to 2-3 presentations (without falls) were assigned to group B, and 50 patients with to 4-5 presentations (without falls) were assigned to group C. Demographic data, diabetes-related complications, and history of falls in the past year were compared to identify risk factors for developing DMS in elderly T2DM patients.

It showed that 50.4% of the elderly T2DM patients developed DMS, and 25.2% of them had at least one episode of falling. The average age of the patients and the occurrence of diabetic nephropathy were higher, while diastolic blood pressure and 25-(OH) vitamin D serum calcium and albumin levels were lower in group C than in group A and B(p < 0.05). The occurrence of falls was lower in group A than in the other groups (p = 0.001).

Aging, 25 (OH) vitamin D deficiency, and accidental fall history are associated with an increased risk of DMS in elderly patients with T2DM.