The assessment of balance ability in person with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: The complications such as decrease strength and endurance of lower extremities, degeneration of peripheral neuropathy and retinopathy can lead to risk of falling in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess balance in patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and methods: Two groups of subjects voluntarily participated in the study: patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (n=30) and normal group (n=30), aged 50-70 years. All subjects undergone Timed Up and Go test (TUG) to measure balance ability. Results: The results showed that balance ability assessed by TUG in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was significantly lower than those in normal group (12.11±2.61 and 9.04±1.04 second, respectively; p<0.0001) Conclusion: Patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus had higher rate of fall risk than those in normal group. Exercise program to increase balance ability is recommended for type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.