Sensory Complications Of Type 2 Diabetes Predicts Postural Balance Scores

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess if the presence of sensory complications can be used to predict balance scores. METHODS: 52 participants with T2D were recruited for this study. Participants anthropologic measures, demographic, socioeconomic, and information related to the participants T2D were self-reported and recorded. The presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), diabetic retinopathy (DR), or diabetic vestibulopathy (DV) was determined by asking the participant if they have ever been diagnosed with any of these complications of T2D (self-report). Participants completed the mCTSIB balance and scores were recorded. Bivariate analysis was conducted on all variables related to mCTSIB total balance scores. A multivariable linear regression model was created using mCTSIB total scores as the outcome and T2D sensory complications as the predictor while controlling for sex and age. RESULTS: Bivariate analysis revealed significant (p < 0.05) associations between mCTSIB total scores and T2D sensory complications, education, employment, annual income, and age. The final multivariate linear regression model was found to be significant (Adj R2 = 0.45, p < 0.01). This model showed that those with DPN (β = 121.03 cm, CI = 77.71-164.35, p < 0.01) or DV (β: 60.65, CI = 5.17-116.13, p = 0.04) had significantly higher balance scores compared to those that did not have a sensory complication, adjusting for sex and age. CONCLUSIONS: Sensory complications of T2D have the potential to predict balance scores and provide the first evidence that balance assessments may also be able to screen for these sensory complications.