Risk Factors for Falls in the Older Adult with Diabetes Mellitus: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Aim To identify risk factors for falls in the older adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Methods The eligible studies identified factors associated with the risk of falls in older adults with DM. We searched PubMed, Cinahl, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases for studies beginning April 2020 through July 2021 (CRD42020193461). Results Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, and eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. These studies included a total of 40,778 older adults with T2DM 60 to 101 years in. The risk of falls in T2DM older adults is 63% compared to the occurrence of falls in the non-diabetics (HR 1.63; 95% CI [1.30–2.05]). While the chance of falls in older adults with T2DM is 59% than non-diabetic older adults (OR 1.59; 95% CI [1.36–1.87]) and the chance of falls in older adults with T2DM who take insulin is 162% (OR 2.62; 95% CI [1.87–3.65]). No results were found in studies on diabetic polyneuropathy. Conclusion T2DM older adults have a higher risk of falls compared to non-diabetics. Among the T2DM older adults, the most important factor associated with a higher risk of falls was insulin use. Trial registration: Registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42020193461).