Diabetes and frailty

Abstract

Purpose of review: Disability and its preceding condition, frailty, are outstanding issues for achieving healthy aging. Diabetes is a very prevalent chronic disease among older patients that favours frailty status. This review will analyse the relationship between diabetes and frailty in the elderly and summarize the current strategies to improve physical function in diabetic older patients.

Recent findings: We have analyzed the current knowledge providing insight on the relationship between frailty and diabetes in older people. Epidemiological evidences and potential mechanisms connecting diabetes with frailty in the aging process have been examined. Finally, the strategies to reduce frailty in aged population with diabetes were discussed.

Summary: Current evidence reveals the high prevalence of diabetes in frail older patients, producing an additional impairment of physical performance in this population. Insulin resistance seems to contribute to this clinical manifestation which is related to the impact of diabetes on skeletal muscle function, on vascular function, and on the hormonal milieu. Exercise, nutritional and educational interventions, and less strict glycaemic control appear as the most effective strategies to reduce frailty in diabetic older people.