Clinical Report: Links Between Daily Living Activities and DLLA Risk

Overview

This study investigates the relationship between activities of daily living (ADL) and the risk of diabetes-related lower-limb amputation (DLLA) using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA).

Background

Diabetes-related lower-limb amputation is a severe complication linked to high morbidity and mortality rates. Understanding the association between functional status, as measured by ADL, and DLLA risk is crucial for identifying individuals at risk.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• ADL scores are significantly associated with DLLA risk in both HRS and ELSA cohorts.
• Individuals in the Stable-rise and Stable-high ADL trajectory groups have a higher risk of DLLA compared to the Stable-low group.
• The risk of DLLA increases in the Stable-rise group and in the Stable-high group.
• Kaplan–Meier survival analysis shows significant differences in DLLA incidence among ADL trajectory groups (log-rank P < 0.001).
• Depression partially mediates the association between ADL and DLLA risk.

Clinical Implications

Routine assessment of ADL may aid in identifying individuals with diabetes at risk for DLLA.

Conclusion

The study establishes a link between ADL trajectories and DLLA risk.

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