Objective: to analyze the cognitive capacity and functional development of the elderly with and without diabetes.
Methods: case-control study, comparing elderly people with and without diabetes. 218 patients interviewed in outpatient clinics: geriatrics and endocrinology. Validated instruments were used for cognitive and functional assessment.
Results: people with diabetes had low scores on cognitive tests. HbA1c and education were related to memory loss, compromising the basic and instrumental activities of daily life.
Conclusion: this study evaluated that high glycemic values affect the autonomy of the elderly, compromising cognition and functional performance in activities of daily living.