Dizziness and Loss of Balance in Individuals With Diabetes: Relative Contribution of Vestibular Versus Somatosensory Dysfunction

The authors studied patients with diabetes and complaints of dizziness to determine whether peripheral neuropathy or inner ear dysfunction was more likely to disturb balance. Quantitative testing showed that the majority failed to maintain balance in vestibular-related conditions and had normal equilibrium scores in conditions relying on somatosensory input. Vestibular dysfunction should be an immediate consideration in patients with diabetes and complaints of dizziness regardless of the presence of peripheral neuropathy.