Do Balance Exercises improve balance with Diabetes? ... do they work?

[Physio A]

I am a Falls Physiotherapist and wondered if anyone can point me in the direction of guidance or evidence about the use of 'general' balance programmes such as FAME or Otago with people who's balance changes are due to Peripheral Neuropathy?
(I realise physical activity can have a positive effect on diabetes in general)
Many thanks for any advice, help, suggestions or experiences
Physio A

 

[Proud to be erratic]

I am a Falls Physiotherapist and wondered if anyone can point me in the direction of guidance or evidence about the use of 'general' balance programmes such as FAME or Otago with people who's balance changes are due to Peripheral Neuropathy?
(I realise physical activity can have a positive effect on diabetes in general)
Many thanks for any advice, help, suggestions or experiences
Physio A

Helllo @Physio A.
My balance changes became apparent in my mid 50s, c.15 yrs before my D diagnosis. My neuropathy became prominent after my chemotherapy and most unlikely to have been caused by my D; but inevitably could be worsened by any poor BG management. I'm currently pretty fit for my age, walk a great deal because walking is as quick as a car for my local journeys and parking locally is challenging.

I am increasingly noticing that I'm unsteady when I stand up or get out of bed. I remember observing this state in both my father and father-in-law - but hey were both a lot older then than I am now. It's depressing.

I was told to do balance exercises in my 50s, before old-age took over and caused a fall. I've failed to take that advice. As a result of your post and my openly writing down my status I'm minded to look up FAME and Otago to see if these might be relevant for me; so your post is quietly helpful to nudge me. Thank you.

 

[trophywench]

I've never in my life been able to walk or run in a straight line and that hasn't improved with age, especially as I now also have a certain amount of postural hypotension which is bats as I need BP medication which if the HCP doing it doesn't give me enough time at rest before taking it, will always be elevated - even being much less flexible too, so even taking that one arm out of my cardigan can be more than enough to send it up!

 

[JonathanGi]

Could it be a question of how you put your socks on? I always put mine on when I am standing up. Requires a certain amount of balance.

 

[Proud to be erratic]

Could it be a question of how you put your socks on? I always put mine on when I am standing up. Requires a certain amount of balance.

And I definitely can't! But that's an excellent test.