What Could Cause Difficulty In Moving About In An 80-year-old Type-1 Diabetic?

Posted on Mon, 19 Feb 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 Answered on

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : My wife is an eighty year old type 1 diabetic. Her annual physical showed no major problems but she is having great trouble getting around without help. This problem started over a year ago after a major bout with the flu and pneumonia. She was hospitalize for 5 days and spent 19 days in re-hab. Could there be other reasons for this problem?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possible complications of the diabetes.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Diabetes may result in several complications such as balance issues, poor coordination due to peripheral neuropathy, vision problems, muscles weakness etc. All these possible complications of diabetes may affect the ability to move and walk freely.

Getting evaluated by a neurologist is necessary to understand better the exact cause of your wife's issues.

Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care.

Regards,
Dr. Erion Spaho,
Neurologist, Surgical

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad