Li and colleagues sought to determine the relationships among diabetes, functional ability and self-rated health, and whether they predicted subsequent hospital admission in a representative sample of older adults. A prospective study was conducted on people aged 65 and above (N=2064) who participated in the National Health Interview Survey in Taiwan, 2001. A total of 1609 participants consented to data linkage and were successfully linked to 2002 National Health Insurance claims data. Functional ability was defined as the ability to perform six activities of daily living (ADL). After adjustment for potential confounders, older adults with diabetes were significantly more likely to have ADL limitation, worse self-rated health, and an increased risk of hospitalization. Diabetes, ADL limitation, and worse self-rated health all independently predicted hospital admission within one year. Older adults with diabetes, ADL limitation, and worse self-rated health are important target populations for interventions aimed at preventing hospitalization.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER:
The authors found that older adults with diabetes, a growing population across the world, require special interventions and attention if they are to manage their condition.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A PATIENT: If you are an older adult with diabetes, you should approach your health care provider regarding the self-management of your chronic illness. You may only need an update on the skills you already know, but it is worth occasional reinforcement of what and what not to do.

CL Li et al. Diabetes, functional ability, and self-rated health independently predict hospital admission within one year among older adults: A population based cohort study. Archives of Gerontology & Geriatrics, March 23, 2010.