Association between Physical Functioning and Fear of Falling with Balance in Elderly Diabetic Individuals

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a highly prevalent metabolic disease, particularly in the elderly population. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), the most common complication, is present in up to half of the people with diabetes, leading to sensory and autonomic motor impairment, and possibly increasing the risk of falling. DM is also associated with geriatric conditions falls, incontinence, low body mass index, dizziness, vision, hearing and cognitive impairments and dependence on activities of daily living. Balance is one of the major factors which associated with falls in the elderly population. Diabetes in addition may cause further damage to the nervous system thereby resulting in impaired balance leading to increased risk of falls. It is essential to investigate relationship between balances and falls in diabetic individuals.