Type 2 Diabetes a Risk Factor for Falls in Elderly

In a study of older patients, both diabetic and non-diabetic, poor balance and diabetes were shown to be independent risk factors. According to multivariate logistic regression models, diabetes was found to be a major risk factor even after poor balance is corrected. "Systematic medication reviews, specific balance exercises and cognitive training" might be helpful to minimize fall risk in elderly with diabetes, said the authors. PLoS ONE 8(6):e67055.doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0067055