Diabetic Polyneuropathy and Risk of Falls: Fear of Falling and Other Factors

The aim of the study was to analyze postural stability, walking speed and fear of falling in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) in order to determine the risk factors for falls, as well as the effect of DPN characteristics as additional factors. A sample of 48 patients with type 2 diabetes and DPN were enrolled in this non-randomized observational study. The patients were divided into two groups of fallers and non-fallers. All subjects underwent evaluation with the Functional Reach Test (FRT), Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale (Tinetti FES) and 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT). Neuropathy was quantified with the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI, Questionnaire part) and 5.07/10-g Semmes Weinstein monofilament examination (SW-ME). The 10MWT and SW-ME were significantly different between the faller and non-faller groups (p