Frailty Dimensions as Predictors of Quality of Life in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Frailty is increasingly recognized as a clinically relevant condition in older adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), with important implications for functional outcomes and individualized care. This study investigated the association between multidimensional frailty and quality of life in older adults with T2DM. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 112 community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 65 years in Trikala Regional Unit, Central Greece. Frailty was assessed using the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI), and quality of life was measured with the Older People’s Quality of Life Questionnaire (OPQOL-35). Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Results: The sample demonstrated a moderate level of frailty ( M  = 7.88, SD  = 2.78), exceeding the commonly used cut-off point for frailty. Physical fatigue and upper limb weakness were among the most prevalent issues. All frailty dimensions (physical, psychological, and social) were significantly associated with poorer quality of life ( p < .01). The regression model explained 77.2% of the variance in quality of life ( R ² = .772), with physical (health – related) frailty emerging as the strongest predictor (β = .459, p < .001), followed by social (β = .303, p < .001) and psychological components (β = .202, p = .005). Conclusions: Frailty is a strong multidimensional predictor of quality of life in older adults with T2DM. These findings support the clinical value of early frailty screening and the implementation of individualized, multidisciplinary management strategies in primary care settings to preserve functional ability and overall well-being in this vulnerable population.