Reactive Balance Control Function in Individuals with Diabetes: A Narrative Review

Diabetes is a significant global health issue, often linked to disturbances in restoring balance following postural disorders. Individuals with diabetic neuropathy, are 15 times more prone to injuries such as falls, fractures, sprained ankles, and bruises when walking and standing, compared to those with diabetes who do not have neuropathy. Therefore, preventing falls is an issue that deserves special attention in the care of individuals with diabetic neuropathy. In the present study, various articles on the relationship between diabetic neuropathy and reactive balance control disorders were reviewed in PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Iran Medex, Magiran, and Google Scholar databases. Based on the results obtained from the studies, individuals with diabetic neuropathy exhibit greater postural fluctuation and slower speed, as well as a longer delay, in initiating balance responses to postural disturbances compared to individuals with diabetes who do not have neuropathy. The studies conducted so far on the control of reactive balance in individuals with diabetic neuropathy have determined that the disruption of automatic postural responses can lead to postural instability and limitations in the daily activities of this group of patients. It is suggested that preventive solutions and appropriate training programs be specifically designed for these patients to enhance automatic postural responses and reduce the risk of falling and injury.