Functional capacity of diabetic older adults living in a municipality in Northeastern Brazil

Diabetes Mellitus is a disease that contribute to the loss of functional capacity in older adults. This study aimed to measure diabetic older adults’ functional capacity for activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). We carried out a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with older adults aged 65+ years at a specialized health care center of Brazil. The medical records of the patients were selected using non-probability sampling. In this study was found, significantly statistical, higher prevalence in ADL among persons aged 75+ years, those with low levels of education and relation between self-rated current health status. For dependence in IADL, it was common among 75+ years old people, those with lower levels of education, with income of up to 2 minimum wages and worse self-rated health. There is a need to work on public policies that contribute to active and successful aging by promoting the autonomy and functional independence of older adults in the household and community.