Are People With Diabetes More Likely to Fall?

Falls as a complication of diabetes mellitus in older people, by L. Tilling and colleagues. J Diabetes Comp 20:158–162, 2006.

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

Falls are a major cause of disability and death among older people. Some researchers believe that diabetes or its complications may make falls more likely in older people. In fact, people over age 65 with diabetes are three times more likely to be hospitalized for falls than people without the disease.

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

The researchers wanted to determine whether diabetes or its complications make falls more likely in people over 65 years old.

Who was studied?

The study included 77 patients with diabetes over the age of 65.

How was the study done?

Researchers interviewed all participants, asking in particular about falls or other accidents during the previous 12 months.

What did the researchers find?

During the previous year, about 39% of the participants had fallen. Falls were more common in women than men, and tended to become more common with age. Falls were more common in people with poorly controlled diabetes, those who had problems moving around and needed a cane or walker to walk, and those who had previously had a stroke.

What were the limitations of the study?

The history of falls was based on the participants' memory, and therefore may not be accurate. While the researchers asked about falls, they didn't ask about the number of falls, so there could be problems that weren't noticed by researchers. A different number of falls might have been reported had the researchers asked about a period longer than one year. Also, the relatively small number of participants may not reflect a larger population of older people with diabetes.

What are the implications of the study?

Poorly controlled diabetes and diabetes complications may increase the risk of falls among older people with diabetes.