Background
Diabetes is a major health concern in Kuwait; there were approximately 400,000 cases of diabetes in 2015. One of the common complications associated with diabetes is neuropathy, which results in reduced sensation and muscle strength, postural instability and/or balance problems. Thus, patients with diabetes are prone to falling. Falling and fear of falling may lead to further decline in mobility and overall quality of life. 
Aim
The aim of this study was to establish baseline measure for balance scores among Kuwaitis with DM II, with or without peripheral neuropathy, between the ages of 35-65 years and to compare it to age-matched control group without DM.
Method
Design: Observational descriptive study, with the use of population sample, where the median of the variables were analyzed and reported.
Participations: 36 adults aged (38-65 years) participated in the study. Participants were divided into three groups: diabetic n=12, diabetic neuropathy n=12, and control n=12.
Instrumentation: The APDM® Wearable device was used to obtain static balance, which is a valid and reliable instrument that provides objective evaluation of the sensory and voluntary motor control of balance with visual biofeedback on either a stable or unstable support surface using different standardized assessment tests, one of which is the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance. In addition, gait speed was used to measure dynamic balance which is a reliable, valid, sensitive, and specific measure and it has been used to document health status and to predict functional decline. The 10 Meter Walking Test was used for gait speed and it was measured by a stopwatch.
Procedure: A lumbar monitor with elastic belt was placed on the participants. Testing procedure was done under four conditions: standing on a level ground with eyes open then closed, and then standing on a compliant surface with eyes open then closed. Each trial lasted for 30 seconds. For the gait speed, participants were asked to walk at their regular speed for 10m. 
Dependent variables: Six dependent variables were tested in this study; five of those where representing the static balance and one representing dynamic balance.Results
There were significant differences in dynamic balance more than static posture balance which was reflected in the gait speed. People with diabetic neuropathy walked slower than their control counterparts (p=0.001). 
Discussion
This study can help identify patients with diabetes who are at high risk of falling. Therefore, allowing for the creation of a sensitive screening tool to be used to categorize people with diabetes who are eligible for fall prevention program.

Balance performance among Kuwaiti adults with and without type two diabetes