Factors associated to the dependence of older adults with diabetes mellitus type 2.

Objective: to identify factors associated to the dependence of older adults with Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 Method: analytical and epidemiological study with 99 older adults. The Brazilian Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire and a questionnaire composed by socio-demographic and clinical variables were used. The independent variables were described and compared to the level of dependence obtained by the chi-square test or the Fisher test, the strength of association was estimated by Odds Ratio and multiple regression.

Results: the level of dependence prevailed in 79.8% of the sample. Higher chances of dependence were associated to: cutting toenails; performing household chores; presenting geriatric problems; urinary incontinence; time of diagnosis of diabetes; falls in the past year; and physical inactivity.

Conclusion: considering the positive association of diabetes mellitus to the increased chance of dependence among older adults, there is need for direction and adoption of effective measures to ensure the functionality and quality of life of older adults with diabetes mellitus in a fair and democratic way.