Postural balance and sarcopenia in elderly with and without diabetic neuropathy

Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) is considered a permanent health problem and Peripheral Neuropathy (NP) is the most prevalent complication of the disease. Its symptoms and limitations cause alterations of the sensorial and motor routes, abnormal neuromuscular response to postural disorders, contributing to modify the balance. Sarcopenia, involuntary loss of muscle mass, has been identified as a common pathway associated with physical disability among the elderly. Objective: To analyze the scientific production about the approach of postural balance and sarcopenia in the elderly, DM2 and NP. Methods: A bibliographic review study was carried out in 5 databases in the last 10 years, in English, Portuguese and Spanish, which addressed the elderly over 65 years of both sexes. Results: The wide variety of tests and interventions used identify the various stages related to DM, NP and sarcopenia in the elderly. There were 317 references on Postural Equilibrium, DM and NP, six articles were included for Postural Equilibrium/DM2 and 16 for Postural Equilibrium/NP. Of the 142 references on Sarcopenia, DM2 and NP, four were included on Sarcopenia/DM2; no article was included for Sarcopenia/NP. Conclusion: DM2 has a great influence on postural parameters and accelerated decline in muscle mass, and NP is a determining factor for the causes of postural disorders. The results may be even more significant if the influence of sarcopenia with NP in the elderly is analyzed in future studies, since no article was found that specifically addressed this issue. (AU)