Reported and Measured Physical Functioning in Older Inner-City Diabetic African Americans

Abstract

Older inner-city diabetic blacks demonstrated worse general health, excess disability, and more falls compared to controls, although deficits in strength, balance, and timed performance could not be demonstrated. The cause of decreased functional status in diabetic elders deserves additional investigation, focusing especially on sensory function, glycemic control, and contribution from specific medical problems and medications.