The effect of distal polyneuropathy on balance disorder in patients with diabetes
According to various authors, the prevalence of sensitive ataxia (due to proprioceptive dysfunction) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) equals 10 to 90% [1, 2]. The great variability of data from different studies suggests that the question is understudied. P.R. Cavanagh et al. found that patients with DM and distal symmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DPN) have walking injuries 15 times more often (falls, fractures, sprained ankle, cuts and bruises) than diabetic patients without DPN [3]. Brach J.S. et al. noted the following factors leading to balance disorders in patients with DM: sensory deficit, decreased leg muscle strength and lesions of the CNS [4]. At the same time, balance disorder in patients with diabetes resulting from distal polyneuropathy received has been given much less attention compared with falls caused by autonomic neuropathy and orthostatic hypotension [5].