Fear of falling is common in patients with type 2 diabetes and is associated with increased risk of falls

Abstract

type 2 diabetes is associated with increased fear of falling and fear-associated activity restriction, and this modifies the risk of falls even in the face of increased falls risk factors including worse mobility. Future studies of falls in diabetes need to consider that fear of falling is an important modifier of the relationship between risk factors and falls.

Balance performance and fear of falling in older patients with diabetics: a comparative study with non-diabetic elderly

“…The relationship between balance and FOF in older people has been reported in many studies. [13,23,24] But little has been published on the relationship between balance and FOF in older patients with DM. Valpato et al [5] found that diabetes is associated with an increased risk of falling.…”

“…However, previous studies have shown that, age was an important factor for disturbed balance and FOF. [13,28] The patients in the current study were between 61-80 years. In this age range, we have found that balance and FOF were not affected by age.…”

“…[3] It was suggested that being female and getting older are highly associated with FOF. [5,13,20] Depression in DM contributes to poor metabolic control, decreased quality of life, and increased medical morbidity and mortality. [31,32] Furthermore depression and other psychological factors may interfere with the functional mobility of older patients with DM.…”

“…[7] However, there are not any detailed studies evaluating the factors associated with diminished balance and increased FOF in diabetic patients. [11][12][13] This study has been designed as a crosssectional study which aimed to discover the differences of balance performance and FOF in older patients with DM and without DM. Furthermore; diabetes related complications, comorbidities, duration of diabetes, laboratory findings, psychological factors such as depression and anxiety, and the ability to maintain daily activities were evaluated as confounding parameters for balance and FOF in older diabetic patients.…”

Laboratory Evaluation of Peripheral Neuropathy

“…2 It is a significant cause of morbidity, with symptoms ranging from pain and frequent falls to limb amputation secondary to inability to detect injury. 3,4 Many causes of peripheral neuropathy are treatable, and as such, conscientious effort must be made to identify the underlying etiology. 5 The older estimation of approximately 25% of peripheral neuropathy being idiopathic after a thorough evaluation 6 is likely reduced with modern testing.…”