Evaluation of the vestibular system in Type II diabetic patients

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, with deficiencies in insulin secretion to target areas or insulin resistance. Insulin resistance and relative deficiency lead to chronic hyperglycemia, causing characteristic changes in the structure of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Glucose, a carbohydrate found in the human body, is an important source of energy. As in the whole body, glucose metabolism also affects the inner ear, and inner ear function can be affected in hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Glucose metabolism is of great importance in maintaining endolymphatic potential. Although hair cells can use different substrates to maintain endolymphatic potential, none are as effective as glucose. For this reason, differences in glucose metabolism can cause structural differences in inner ear fluid metabolism and, as a result, vestibular and auditory symptoms. The aim of this thesis study is to evaluate the effect of Type II Diabetes on the vestibular system by using different test batteries that evaluate the peripheral vestibular system. Materials and Methods: After patients who meet the specified criteria are informed about the study, volunteers who agree to participate and sign informed consent will be included in the study. In the study group; Individuals with type II diabetes will be examined. The control group will be planned to be composed of age-matched healthy volunteers. After otoscopic examination and audiological evaluation, video head impulse test (vHIT) and videonystagmography (VNG) tests will be planned for all participants. Results: When the video head impulse test VOR gains and the presence of overt and covert saccades were compared in individuals with Type 2 DM and the control group; In the group with T2 DM patients, covert saccades were detected in other channels except the left posterior semicircular canal, and overt saccades were detected in other channels except the right anterior semicircular canal. No overt and covert saccades were detected in the control group. Conclusion: Vestibular dysfunction, which is thought to originate from the peripheral vestibular system in individuals with type II diabetes, was revealed by the findings obtained in the study. Key words: Type II Diabetes, video head impulse test (vHIT) and videonystagmography (VNG) tests