[A low phase angle is a factor independently associated with falls in elderly diabetic patients].

Objective: To examine the relationship between a low phase angle (PA) and falls in elderly diabetic patients.

Methods: The subjects were diabetic patients ≥65 years old who were outpatients at Ise Red Cross Hospital. Patients were asked about their fall history using a self-administered questionnaire. The PA was measured by the multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance method, and the subjects were classified into two groups: the first quartile with the smallest PA (T1 group) and the second and third quartiles (T2/3 groups). A logistic regression analysis with falls as the dependent variable, PA as the explanatory variable, and adjustment variables was used to calculate the odds ratio of the PA for falls.

Results: A total of 255 patients were included in the analysis of this study. Of these, 33.3% were in the T1 group, 66.7% were in the T2/3 group, and 28.2% had fallen. The unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios for falls in the PA were 2.92 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-4.07; P=0.004) and 2.34 (95% CI, 1.07-5.09; P=0.031), respectively.

Conclusion: A low PA was associated with falls in elderly diabetic patients.