What symptom may indicate a risk of diabetes in elderly individuals?

Confusion can indeed be a symptom that indicates a risk of diabetes in elderly individuals. In older adults, diabetes may often present with atypical symptoms, and one of the lesser-known manifestations can include confusion or changes in cognitive function. This can occur due to fluctuations in blood glucose levels, which can affect brain function. Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to cognitive impairment, fatigue, and even delirium, which might be perceived as confusion.

Recognizing this symptom is particularly important in the elderly, as they may not exhibit the classic signs of diabetes typically seen in younger individuals, such as increased thirst or frequent urination. Instead, symptoms like confusion may point to underlying metabolic issues, including poorly managed blood glucose levels.

In the context of the other options, they do not typically suggest a direct risk of diabetes. For example, decreased urination is more often associated with dehydration or kidney issues rather than hyperglycemia. Weight gain can have many causes and is not a definitive indicator of diabetes risk, though it may contribute to insulin resistance in some cases. Improved vision is usually not associated with diabetes risk; in fact, diabetes can lead to vision problems, particularly if it is not well-managed. Thus, confusion stands out as a significant indicator in this context.