Falls in Older People with Diabetes Mellitus: a study from Kurdistan of Iraq

Falls are a major cause of disability and a preventable cause of death in older people. Diabetes mellitus prevalence increases with age. The prevalence of falls is higher in diabetic elderly patients. This cross-sectional study analyzed factors associated with higher incidence of falls among 150 older people with diabetes mellitus in Kurdistan. Results demonstrated that incidence of falls were positively associated with increased age, longer duration of diabetes, treatment with insulin therapy and sulfonylureas, poor diabetic control, polypharmacy, decreased mobility, peripheral neuropathy, osteoarthritis, retinopathy, living alone, living in a care home, smoking and excess alcohol consumption.