Young people may only feel a little pain when they fall, but for older individuals with diabetes, a fall can potentially lead to serious bone and joint injuries.
Researchers from Columbia University in the United States tracked and surveyed 139 elderly individuals aged 70 to 105 in a nursing home. After observing for 299 days, the researchers found that nearly 80% of diabetics had fallen at least once during this period. There may be multiple reasons for this, with decreased muscle strength and weakness being the most notable.
Firstly, as one gets older, the body's "parts" are more prone to malfunctioning, resulting in decreased muscle strength and coordination, making falls more likely to occur with even the slightest mishap.
Secondly, protein is an important nutrient that supports muscle health. Diabetic kidney disease can affect protein absorption and decrease muscle strength. Complications from diabetes, such as retinopathy and nerve damage, as well as frequent episodes of low blood sugar during treatment, are also risk factors.
Patients with kidney disease have reduced ability to synthesize active vitamin D, and increased urinary frequency can lead to calcium loss. Combined with decreased insulin action, this can result in insufficient bone matrix synthesis and poor mineralization, making diabetics more susceptible to osteoporosis and the risk of fractures.
Therefore, for elderly individuals with diabetes, a simple and practical method for assessing muscle strength and fracture risk is recommended. Find a timer and a chair, sit down, then stand up and walk forward for 3 meters before returning to sit down. Studies have found that if this process takes longer than 10.2 seconds, the risk of fracture is high, and one should be alert and seek medical examination as early as possible.
