Background: Detecting frailty in older people with diabetes mellitus is important to target interventions that reduce functional decline and risk of disability. This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated factors of frailty among geriatric patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: This cross-sectional study employed the use of Frailty Index for Elders (FIFE) to assess frailty among T2DM aged 65 and older at Victoriano Luna Medical Center (VLMC) from July 1, 2024 to November 15, 2024. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of frailty.

Results: A total of 113 patients were included in the study. The prevalence of frailty was 83.19%. Cognitive impairment was significantly associated with frailty (p=0.008). The HBA1c level of patients with frailty was significantly higher compared to those without frailty (8.003±2.395 vs 6.774±1.741; p=0.036). In the multivariate regression analysis, frailty was independently associated with age (OR:0.859 [95%CI: 0.744-0.993]; p=0.040) and cognitive impairment (OR:48.416 [95% CI:2.206-106.756]; p=0.014) holding all other variables constant.

Conclusion: Assessment of frailty should be a routine component of comprehensive diabetes care for all older adults. Optimal glycemic control and interventions for improving cognitive functions may be essential to attenuate frailty among elderly T2DM patients.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, geriatric, frailty

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