Diabetes, functional ability, and self-rated health independently predict hospital admission within one year among older adults: a population based cohort study.

The aims of the present study were to determine the relationships among diabetes, functional ability and self-rated health, and whether they predict subsequent hospital admission in a representative sample of older adults. We conducted a prospective study on persons aged 65 and above (N=2064) who participated in the National Health Interview Survey in Taiwan, 2001. A total of 1609 participants consented to data linkage and were successfully linked to 2002 National Health Insurance claims data. Functional ability was defined as the ability to perform six activities of daily living (ADL). After adjustment for potential confounders, older adults with diabetes were significantly more likely to have ADL limitation and worse self-rated health and had an increased risk of hospitalization. Diabetes, ADL limitation and worse self-rated health all independently predicted hospital admission within one year. Older adults with diabetes, ADL limitation and worse self-rated health are important target populations for interventions aimed at preventing hospitalization.