At a glance
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Cross-sectional Study of the Association of Muscle Strength, Tinetti Test (POMA) Scores and Other Predictor Variables With Serum Vitamin Levels (Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and Folate) in Elderly Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
In Brief
An observational study for Muscle Strength and 5 related conditions. Completed, enrolled 56 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause severe problems with the blood, nerves, brain and psychological well-being. Ironically, our modern methods for the control of diabetes mellitus can actually contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency. This is because the diabetic medication "metformin", low-cholesterol diets lacking in meats (a natural source of vitamin B12) and the use of powerful anti-gastric medication can all reduce the natural absorption of vitamin B12 from the diet, especially in elderly people with diabetes. There is both a high prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiencies and falls among the elderly with type 2 diabetes mellitus and the investigators hypothesize that B12 deficiency contributes directly and significantly to falls in elderly diabetics through impaired muscle strength, gait and balance. This study therefore proposes to investigate the association between vitamin B12 deficiency and fall risk among diabetic elderly patients (older than 65 years) in the polyclinic setting by assessing muscle strength, balance and walking speed. The predictors of vitamin B12, folate, homocysteine and vitamin D levels will also be explored in this study. If the hypothesis is right, this would be of public health importance \& can lead to further studies that can change the way we treat diabetes by reducing falls in our elderly diabetics through the screening for, prevention and treatment of B12 deficiency.