The effect of diabetes on plantar sensation, balance and quality of life in patients with Diabetes Type 2

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of diabetes on plantar sensation, balance and quality of life in patients with diabetes type 2. The study included individuals diagnosed as type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Individuals were separated into three groups. First group: individuals with type II DM and peripheral neuropathy (n=100); second group: individuals with type II DM and no peripheral neuropathy (n=100); third group: healthy volunteers individuals (n=100).After gathering socio-demographic data of the individuals, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed up and Go Test (TUG), SF-36 quality of life measure, Functional Reach Test (FRT), single leg stance test (eyes closed and open), sitting down and getting up on/from a chair test (SIT) and sensory tests were applied (Semmes- Weinstein monofilaments, vibration, pin-prick). According to the statistical analysis conducted, there were differences between the groups in the aspects of sensory testing, BBS, TUG, FUT, SF-36, eyes closed and open balance tests and sitting down and getting up tests (p<0.05). It was shown that in individuals with neuropathy the problems related to sensory and balance problems were more frequent and compared to individuals without neuropathy and healthy individuals quality of life was lower (p<0.05). In the correlation analysis carried out on individuals with DM, duration of diabetes was found to be related with eyes closed and open balance tests, plantar sensation, TUG, SIT, FRT, BBS; oral anti-diabetes drug usage was related with eyes closed and open balance tests, plantar sensation, TUG, SIT, FRT, BBS; insulin utilization duration was related with plantar sensation, VAS, TUG, SIT, FRT, BBS, physical function and general health parameters of SF-36 (p<0.05). In patients with diabetes, advanced age, presence of neuropathy, duration of diabetes and drug usage are related to sensory and balance problems and may affect quality of life notably.