Falls in People with Type 1 Diabetes: A Review of Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Preventive Strategies.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: This review aims to summarize recent literature on the prevalence, risk factors, and prevention strategies for falls in people with type 1 diabetes. It highlights current knowledge gaps and proposes directions for future research.

RECENT FINDINGS: Emerging evidence suggests that adults with type 1 diabetes experience a significantly higher fall risk than the general population. Key risk factors include sarcopenia, dynapenia, impaired postural control and executive function, hypoglycemia, neuropathy, and polypharmacy. While exercise interventions are effective in reducing falls in type 2 diabetes, studies in type 1 diabetes remain sparse. High-intensity interval training shows early promise in improving balance and strength. Falls are an underrecognized yet significant complication in type 1 diabetes. Current evidence supports the need for multifaceted prevention strategies that target both physical deconditioning and diabetes-specific risk factors. More high-quality, type 1-specific studies are essential to develop effective interventions and improve patient outcomes.