Prevalence and Clinical Management of Vestibular Dysfunction in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to find out how common vestibular dysfunction was in patients with diabetes. It also looked at how these patients were managed in a hospital setting. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional analytical hospital-based study, conducted from September 2024 to February 2025.  Adults with diabetes were included after consent. Patients with ear infections, neurological disease, or prior ear surgery were excluded. The study included 301 patients. Researchers took history and did bedside tests like the Romberg and Dix-Hallpike maneuvers. Caloric tests were done when needed. Data about age, sex, diabetes duration, and glycemic control were collected. Doctors recorded treatment plans. Follow-up was done after four weeks. Results were analyzed using SPSS V26. Results:The mean age of patients was 56.8 ± 10.4 years. There were 167 (55.5%) males and 134 (44.5%) females. Type 1 diabetes was present in 27 (9%) and type 2 in 274 (91%). The mean duration of diabetes was 10.1 ± 5.7 years. Treatment included diet control in 24 (8%), oral medication in 109 (36.2%), insulin in 53 (17.6%), and combination therapy in 115 (38.2%). Mean HbA1c was 8.3 ± 1.2%. Dizziness affected 139 (46.2%), vertigo 127 (42.2%), and imbalance 121 (40.2%). Mean symptom duration was 4.3 ± 2.1 months. At 4-week follow-up, 174 (57.8%) improved, 42 (14%) had no change, and 19 (6.3%) worsened. Conclusion: Almost half of diabetic patients had vestibular dysfunction. Poor sugar control and longer disease were major causes. Early screening and combined treatment helped improve symptoms.

Keywords: Balance Disorder, Caloric Testing, Diabetes Mellitus, Dizziness,Glycemic Control, Rombetest,Vestibular, Assessment,Vestibular Dysfunction,Vestibular Rehabilitation, Vertigo