Influence of the body mass index on the occurrence of falls in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

To assess the influence of the body mass index (BMI) on the occurrence of falls in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, receiving primary health care. We collected data from 134 patients (56.7±9.4 y.o.), none of them were seeking medical care due to sensory or balance decline. During the first evaluation, they reported falls, replied to a questionnaire of symptoms related to balance and had a sensory evaluation. After a 6 months follow-up, they reported falls again and, according to the occurrence of falls during the preceding year, patients were classified in 2 groups: no falls (N=92) and falls (N=42). The occurrence of falls was related to BMI, gender and age. Compared to patients with no falls, patients with falls had a greater BMI and comprised a higher proportion of patients with a BMI ≥35; patients with a BMI ≥35 were younger than patients with a BMI <35. A total symptom score ≥4 allowed the classification of 77.7% of the patients with falls and 59.5% with no falls. In adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, a BMI ≥35 may have an influence on balance and the occurrence of falls, which might be independent from aging. Patients should be aware of this risk and receive counsel on modifiable risk factors.

The influence of peripheral neuropathy, gender, and obesity on the postural stability of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

AIM: To assess the influence of peripheral neuropathy, gender, and obesity on the postural stability of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: 151 patients with no history of otology, neurology, or orthopaedic or balance disorders accepted to participate in the study. After a clinical interview and neuropathy assessment, postural stability was evaluated by static posturography (eyes open/closed on hard/soft surface) and the "Up & Go" test. RESULTS: During static posturography, on hard surface, the length of sway was related to peripheral neuropathy, gender, age, and obesity; on soft surface, the length of sway was related to peripheral neuropathy, gender, and age, the influence of neuropathy was larger in males than in females, and closing the eyes increased further the difference between genders. The mean time to perform the "Up & Go" test was 11.6 ± 2.2 sec, with influence of peripheral neuropathy, gender, and age. CONCLUSION: In order to preserve the control of static upright posture during conditions with deficient sensory input, male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with no history of balance disorders may be more vulnerable than females, and obesity may decrease the static postural control in both males and females.