Evaluation of the Relationship Between Frailty Level and Quality of Life in Elderly Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Background The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between frailty level and quality of life in elderly individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Methods This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 211 patients who applied to the diabetes outpatient clinic of a private and a public hospital in Istanbul between September and November 2022. The data were obtained by using the Personal Information Form, Edmonton Frail Scale and the Quality of Life in the Elderly Scale. Results The mean Edmonton Frail Scale score of the participants was 7.36 ± 4.35. Their mean quality of life scale score was 19.32 ± 7.12. A low degree of negative correlation was found between Elderly Quality of Life Scale total and subscale scores and the Edmonton Frail Scale score (p < 0.05). Besides, there was a statistically significant difference between the Edmonton Frail Scale mean score and education level, history of falling in the last 1 year, using oral antidiabetic drugs, and the presence of diabetes complications (p < 0.05). Conclusion It is recommended that frailty and quality of life should be evaluated regularly in elderly patients with diabetes and necessary planning should be made in diabetes management and improving quality of life in the presence of frailty.