Prediabetes Increases the Risk of Dynamic Balance Impairment in the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study at the Elderly Integrated Health Post in Jeruklegi Village

Abstract

Background: Prediabetes is an intermediate hyperglycemic condition whose prevalence is projected to keep rising globally among older adults. This metabolic disturbance is theoretically linked to declining postural balance, although evidence on static versus dynamic balance remains limited. Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between prediabetes risk status (FINDRISC score) and static balance (Romberg Test) and dynamic balance (Timed Up and Go Test) in older adults. Method: This analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design involved 29 older adults participating in the Elderly Integrated Health Post (Posyandu Lansia) of Jeruklegi Village, Balongbendo Subdistrict, selected through consecutive sampling. Data were analyzed using Spearman's correlation test following the Shapiro-Wilk normality test. Results: The results showed that the FINDRISC score had a statistically significant, moderate-strength association with TUG performance (r = 0.513; p = 0.004), but no significant association with the Romberg Test (r = -0.215; p = 0.262). Conclusion: Prediabetes status was associated with declining dynamic balance but not yet significantly associated with static balance among older adults in this study, suggesting that TUG may serve as a more sensitive early functional screening tool than the Romberg Test for older adults at risk of diabetes in primary health care settings.