Khan KS, Pop-Busui R, Devantier L, et al. - According to this cross-sectional study, individuals with type 2 diabetes reported more falls in the previous year than healthy controls, regardless of the presence of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN).

• The sample consisted of people with type 2 diabetes with DPN (n = 54), without DPN (n = 38) and healthy controls (n = 39).

• Compared with healthy controls, people with diabetes had a higher incidence of falls 36%, (n = 33) vs 15%, (n = 6).

• When comparing persons with and without DPN, there were no differences in falls.

• Fallers showed an impaired 6 MWT than non-fallers (450 ± 153 m vs 523 ± 97 m respectively), a slower FTSST (11.9 ± 4.2 s vs 10.3 ± 2.9 s respectively) and a higher ST (53 ± 29 vs 41 ± 17 respectively).

• Increased postural instability, reduced walking capacity, and slower sit-to-stand motions were found to be the most common causes of falls.

• Future screening programmes should include the 6-min walk test (6 MWT), five-time sit-to-stand test (FTSST), and posturography to identify those who are at risk of falling.