Diabetes and frailty in community dwelling older adults in India: insights from the longitudinal aging study in India

BackgroundElderly patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) have an increased risk of frailty especially when food insecure.ObjectiveThe study objective was to determine the prevalence and determinants of frailty among older individuals with DM in India. We also examined the relationship between DM, frailty, and food insecurity.MethodsThis secondary analysis utilized data from Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), a nationally representative survey conducted in 2017-18 among 31,902 individuals aged 60 years and above including 4934 patients with DM.ResultsThe weighted prevalence of frailty in patients with DM was 23.72% (95% CI: 21.16, 26.49). Overall prevalence of frailty was found to be significantly higher among women (28.05%) than men (22.37%). Weak grip strength (77.56%) and low physical activity (81.93%) were the most prevalent components among males and females, respectively. On adjusted analysis, a significantly higher odds of having frailty among DM cases were observed in those aged 75 and above (aOR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.18, 2.91) and those having one or more additional comorbidities (aOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.45). Those having secondary education (aOR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.26, 0.65), graduate and above education (0.35, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.64), currently working (0.21, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.35) had significantly lower odds of having physical frailty among DM cases.ConclusionNearly one in four patients with DM in India have frailty characterized by weak grip strength and low physical activity linked with reduced physical capacity and mobility, in a social environment of widespread food insecurity.