The longitudinal, prospective association between diabetes and frailty among middle-aged and older adults in Canada

Project Summary

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that affects 10% of Canadians. It classically leads to structural complications (e.g. kidney disease) and multimorbidity. There has been little attention upon the longitudinal relationship between DM and frailty, which is defined as increased vulnerability to stressors. In the proposed research project, we will describe the epidemiology of DM among middle-aged and older adults who participated in the CLSA, and examine the longitudinal association between DM and frailty. We will also explore potential risk factors for DM and frailty including sex differences. This research will bring focus to frailty in the assessment and management of patients with DM in Canada.