Effectiveness of Vestibular Rehabilitation for Diabetic Patients in Improving Balance and Quality of Life

Background: Diabetes is commonly associated with complications such as retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy, which contribute to gait instability and increased fall risk. A less-recognized complication is diabetes-related vestibular dysfunction, which affects balance and spatial orientation. Emerging studies suggest that vestibular dysfunction in diabetic patients may exacerbate the risk of falls. This study investigates the impact of vestibular dysfunction in diabetic patients and evaluates the potential benefits of vestibular rehabilitation in improving balance and quality of life. Methodology: In this experimental study, 30 diabetic patients with vestibular dysfunction were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group received vestibular rehabilitation, while the control group underwent conventional therapy. Pre- and post-treatment assessments were made using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI). The study aimed to compare improvements in balance and quality of life between the groups after six weeks of intervention. Results: Both groups showed improvements in balance and quality of life, but the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in DHI, BBS, and DGI scores compared to the control group. The improvements were attributed to vestibular adaptation and substitution mechanisms. Conclusion: Vestibular rehabilitation proved effective in improving balance and quality of life in diabetic patients with vestibular dysfunction. The findings support its inclusion as a valuable treatment to reduce falls and enhance postural stability.