Surreal illustration symbolizing the challenge of balance with diabetic neuropathy, emphasizing support and community.

Balance on the Brink: Understanding and Addressing Diabetic Neuropathy

Lena Kashyap in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how diabetic peripheral neuropathy impacts postural control and balance, leading to increased fall risk, and learn practical steps to improve stability and quality of life."

Diabetes, a widespread health challenge, often brings complications such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). This condition reduces somatosensation, impacting postural control and balance. For many, this means an increased risk of falls and a diminished quality of life, but understanding DPN is the first step toward managing it.

Research has explored how DPN affects balance, often using sophisticated equipment. However, a recent study published in the Brazilian Journal of Kinthropometry and Human Performance sheds light on postural control in individuals with DPN using simpler, more accessible methods. This study emphasizes the importance of assessing balance in different conditions to understand the full scope of the challenge.

This article breaks down the key findings of the study, translating complex research into actionable advice. Whether you're living with DPN, caring for someone who is, or simply interested in understanding the connection between diabetes and balance, this guide offers practical insights and strategies to improve stability and prevent falls.

How Does Diabetic Neuropathy Impact Balance?

Surreal illustration symbolizing the challenge of balance with diabetic neuropathy, emphasizing support and community.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy primarily affects the nerves in the feet and legs, leading to reduced sensation. This nerve damage disrupts the body's ability to sense its position in space, a crucial component of balance. The study in the Brazilian Journal of Kinthropometry and Human Performance specifically looked at how this sensory loss affects postural control—the ability to maintain balance while standing.

The researchers compared two groups of women: one with DPN and one without. They assessed postural control under three conditions:

Eyes Open (EO): Standing with eyes open and feet parallel.
Eyes Closed (EC): Standing with eyes closed and feet parallel.
Semi-Tandem (ST): Standing with eyes open, one foot slightly in front of the other.

The results indicated that individuals with DPN exhibited greater instability, particularly in the medial-lateral (ML) direction, which affects side-to-side balance. This instability was more pronounced when the women closed their eyes or adopted the semi-tandem stance, highlighting the reliance on visual and balance related sensory input to maintain stability.

Taking Control: Practical Steps for Better Balance

The study underscores the importance of early assessment and intervention to address balance issues related to DPN. By understanding how DPN affects postural control, individuals can take proactive steps to improve their stability, reduce their risk of falls, and maintain a higher quality of life. Simple balance exercises, regular check-ups, and mindful attention to foot health can make a significant difference in managing this condition and staying steady on your feet.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

How does diabetic neuropathy affect my balance?

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) primarily impacts balance by reducing somatosensation in the feet and legs due to nerve damage. This makes it harder for the body to sense its position, affecting postural control, which is essential for maintaining balance while standing. The diminished sense of balance significantly increases the risk of falls, impacting overall quality of life.

What is postural control, and why is it important if I have diabetic neuropathy?

Postural control is significant because it is the body's ability to maintain balance while standing or moving. In individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), impaired postural control can lead to instability, particularly in the medial-lateral (ML) direction, or side-to-side balance. Improving postural control through exercises and interventions is crucial for reducing the risk of falls and maintaining independence.

What are the Eyes Open, Eyes Closed, and Semi-Tandem tests, and how do they relate to balance and diabetic neuropathy?

The Eyes Open (EO), Eyes Closed (EC), and Semi-Tandem (ST) tests are used to assess postural control under different conditions. The Eyes Open test assesses balance with visual input, while the Eyes Closed test evaluates balance relying on other sensory inputs. The Semi-Tandem test challenges balance further by narrowing the base of support. These tests help identify specific balance deficits in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

Why is medial-lateral (ML) instability a concern with diabetic neuropathy?

Instability in the medial-lateral (ML) direction, or side-to-side balance, can significantly increase the risk of falls for individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). This type of instability means that individuals have difficulty maintaining their balance when moving from side to side, making them more prone to losing their balance and falling. Exercises and interventions aimed at improving ML stability are crucial for fall prevention.

What can I do to improve my balance if I have diabetic neuropathy?

To improve balance with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), it is important to implement early assessment and intervention. Simple balance exercises, regular check-ups, and mindful attention to foot health can make a significant difference in managing this condition and staying steady. These proactive steps help improve stability, reduce the risk of falls, and maintain a higher quality of life.