Depression and polypharmacy are risk factors for activity limitation in type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVES Individuals with type 2 diabetes are at risk for deficits in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL: e.g., managing medication, preparing healthy meals). Understanding which demographic and health factors contribute to decreased frequency of IADL performance is especially important to prevent age-related functional decline in type 2 diabetes. This study examined the relationships among demographic and health variables and frequency of IADL performance in adults with type 2 diabetes. METHODS For this cross-sectional study, we collected health, demographic, and activity information via self-report and electronic health record review from safety-net primary care patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 93). We used regression models to determine which factors were associated with IADL performance in three subscales (domestic, leisure/work, outdoor) and the overall score. RESULTS Depression was associated with decreased frequency of IADL performance for domestic, leisure/work, and outdoor activities. Each additional daily medication was associated with decreased frequency of domestic and outdoor IADL performance. DISCUSSION Depression and taking more daily medication were predictors of decreased IADL performance for adults with type 2 diabetes. Our findings suggest regular screening for depression and polypharmacy is important in the primary care of diabetes; especially as these are potentially modifiable risk factors.