Health library

Sept. 3, 2026—If you have diabetes, you likely know it can lead to a host of health problems. But did you also know that some of those complications can raise your risk of falling?

There are several ways diabetes can contribute to your fall risk, including:

Nerve damage. Years of high blood sugar can lead to nerve damage, or peripheral neuropathy, a complication that affects up to half of people with diabetes, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports. It can cause tingling and burning pain in your feet. It can also cause you to lose feeling and strength in your feet and to lose your balance, which could lead to a fall.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Symptoms of low blood sugar typically appear if your blood glucose level falls below 70 mg/dL. Hypoglycemia can make you feel dizzy, shaky, hungry and confused, among other signs and symptoms. It can even cause you to pass out and fall, if it's not treated quickly.

Vision problems. High blood sugar damages the eyes. Over time, this can lead to eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy. Poor eyesight could cause you to trip and fall over things you cannot see clearly.

Medications. For instance, some blood pressure pills can cause you to become dizzy when you stand up. Many people with diabetes also have high blood pressure.

Stay steady on your feet

If you have diabetes, you can take these steps to help prevent complications that could lead to a fall:

Manage diabetes. Work closely with your care team to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. That may help you avoid or delay complications, such as eye problems and nerve damage, that can increase your risk of falling. Some ways to manage diabetes well include:

• Following a healthy eating plan.
• Exercising regularly.
• Taking medications, if prescribed.

Know how to handle low blood sugar. Ask your diabetes care team how to recognize and treat low blood sugar. Checking your glucose frequently can help. If it falls below 70 mg/dL, you can raise it back up by quickly drinking or eating something sugary. Also, discuss with your care team what causes low blood sugar and how you might be able to prevent it.

Get a dilated eye exam every year. These eye exams can spot problems early, so prompt treatment can help save your sight.

Other ways to protect your vision include:

• Managing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Work with your providers to control these risk factors, along with your blood sugar.
• If you smoke, quitting. Smoking increases the risk of diabetes-related eye diseases.

Keep an eye on your feet. Check your feet daily for problems such as cuts, blisters or reddened areas. Tell your doctor about any concerning findings. Your provider should check your feet at every visit too. And, at least once a year, you should get a complete foot exam to check for diabetes-related problems.

Addressing these diabetes-related risk factors is just part of avoiding falls. You can also reduce your risk of falling by doing things like learning balance-boosting exercises and fall-proofing your home. Check out our interactive to learn more.

Sources

• American Diabetes Association. Balance and Avoiding Falls.
• American Diabetes Association. Causes and How to Prevent Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose).
• American Diabetes Association. Diabetes and High Blood Pressure.
• American Diabetes Association. How Is Calcium Connected to Aging, Diabetes, Hypoglycemia and Falls?
• American Diabetes Association. Signs, Symptoms and Treatment for Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose).
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Older Adult Fall Prevention.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physical Activity and Your Weight and Health.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing Falls and Hip Fractures.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vision Loss and Diabetes.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your Feet and Diabetes.
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Peripheral Neuropathy.