Utricular hypofunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global health concern.
• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a known complication affecting balance.
• Vestibular dysfunction in T2DM is not fully understood, especially in primary care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the function of the utricle and horizontal semicircular canals in patients with T2DM.
• To compare vestibular function between T2DM patients with and without a history of falls.
• To identify potential subclinical vestibular deficits in T2DM patients.

Main Methods:

• 101 T2DM patients and 51 healthy controls underwent vestibular assessments.
• Horizontal canal function was tested using sinusoidal rotation.
• Otolith (utricle) function was assessed via visual vertical tests during centrifugation.
• Static posturography evaluated overall balance control.

Main Results:

• T2DM patients exhibited reduced otolith responses to centrifugation compared to controls.
• Horizontal semicircular canal function was similar between groups.
• T2DM patients showed increased sway area and path length during posturography.
• Falls history correlated with higher symptom scores but not with neuropathy or age.

Conclusions:

• Utricular function may be impaired in T2DM patients, irrespective of falls history or horizontal canal function.
• Vestibular assessment, particularly otolith function, could be beneficial for T2DM patients.
• Early detection of subclinical vestibular dysfunction may aid in fall prevention strategies.