Falling poses a serious risk to any individual suffering from diabetes. Falling is the number one cause of death for all individuals over the age of 75 in the United States, but those who suffer from diabetes are an even higher risk of falling.

This might sound scary if you or someone you know is at risk for falls, but the reality is most falls can be prevented.

Why do people fall?

There are a few big reasons why people fall:

1. Weakness - As individuals grow older, they get weaker. Over time, our muscles deteriorate, even if we stay active. The more inactive the individual, the faster muscles deteriorate.
2. Medicine - Older people may be using an increased number of medications. Dizziness and added muscle weakness are two common side effects of medicines and both of these may contribute to an increased likelihood of falling.
3. Isolation - Elderly people become more isolated as they grow older. This may cause someone to take on physical strain that they might not otherwise, but because they’re alone, they attempt to take on the task single-handedly, which could cause a fall.
4. Hypoglycemia - This final reason why people fall applies particularly to individuals with diabetes. Not only are individuals with diabetes more likely to fall, but they’re also more likely to experience complications from falls. Insulin users with an Hba1c below 7% are four times more likely than other seniors to fall. This is because the side effects of hypoglycemia (compromised blood sugar levels) include dizziness, blurred vision, and weakness.

Preventing falls

It’s important to remember that most falls can be prevented. Here are some great ways to prevent falls:

1. Exercise - This can’t be stressed enough. Not only does exercise help prevent falls, but it also lowers your risk for every known disease. The majority of falls are related to muscle weakness and strengthening your muscles is the best start to preventing falls. Make sure to stretch to improve flexibility and do light resistance training to strengthen core muscles, including the abdomen and lower back.
2. Proper Footwear - Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes to make sure you stay on your feet. The weight of the entire body rests on the feet, so it’s important to make sure you have the right ones. For diabetic patients, medicare even covers the cost of these shoes to make sure you stay upright.

There are many important tips that can help prevent falls, this is only just a short summary of why people fall and what you can do to prevent falls.

MD at Home provides care to homebound diabetic patients across the Chicagoland area. As part of our comprehensive care plan, we prioritize preventive care, especially when treating diabetes.