Physical function decline is a major concern in people with long-term conditions, including type 2 diabetes, which often coexists with obesity and can accelerate sarcopenia and frailty. The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) 2025 study investigated how the duration of type 2 diabetes affects physical function.
Data from 1,204 participants in the CODEC study were analyzed. Measures included the short physical performance battery, timed walk, chair sit-to-stand test, and Duke Activity Status Index. Linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, and ethnicity were used to examine associations between disease duration and physical function outcomes.

Results showed that longer type 2 diabetes duration was independently associated with poorer physical performance across all outcomes. Every 10 years of diabetes resulted in lower physical function scores, slower gait speed, longer chair-stand time, and reduced activity capacity. Younger individuals with prolonged diabetes exhibited functional levels comparable to much older adults without co-morbidities.

These findings highlight the importance of early interventions promoting physical activity and supportive measures to mitigate functional decline in people with type 2 diabetes, especially those diagnosed at a younger age.