Article

Diabetes causes many complications, including retinopathy and peripheral
neuropathy, which are well understood as contributing to gait instability and
falls. A less understood complication of diabetes is the effect on the vestibular
system. The vestibular system contributes significantly to balance in static and
dynamic conditions by providing spatially orienting information.
It is noteworthy
that diabetes has been reported to affect vestibular function in both animal and
clinical studies. Pathophysiological changes in peripheral and central vestibular
structures due to diabetes have been noted. Vestibular dysfunction is associated
with impaired balance and a higher risk of falls. As the prevalence of diabetes
increases, so does the potential for falls due to diabetic complications. The
purpose of this perspective article is to present evidence on the pathophysiology
of diabetes-related complications and their influence on balance and falls, with
specific attention to emerging evidence of vestibular dysfunction due to
diabetes. Understanding this relationship may be useful for screening (by
physical therapists) for possible vestibular dysfunction in people with diabetes
and for further developing and testing the efficacy of interventions to reduce
falls in this population.
CI - (c) 2016 American Physical Therapy Association.

Langue : ANGLAIS