Diabetes mellitus (DM) impairs blood glucose regulation, affecting multiple body systems and

often leading to muscle weakness, balance issues, and increased fall risk. Balance in individuals with diabetes is impacted by factors such as muscle weakness, plantar insensitivity, and proprioception deficits, which all contribute to diminished stability and compensatory abilities. While common balance assessments like the Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go Test focus primarily on anticipatory postural control, they lack in assessing reactive balance—a critical component for fall prevention. The Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest), however, measures reactive compensatory stepping, which is especially relevant for diabetes-related balance deficits.This observational study aims to explore how lower extremity muscle strength affects forward reactive stepping ability in diabetic patients, a vital skill for maintaining stability in unexpected balance disruptions. Using the BESTest’s lean-and-release method, the study will measure reactive balance responses, while muscle strength will be assessed with a handheld dynamometer, focusing on hip abductors, knee extensors, and ankle plantarflexors. The relationship between muscle strength and forward stepping metrics, including step time, step distance, and recovery time, will be analysed.Participants will include Type 1 and 2 diabetic patients aged 30 to 60 years, with a diabetes duration of 3-5 years, no severe foot complications, and independent mobility. Findings from this study aim to fill a gap in understanding the role of

muscle strength in reactive balance control, providing valuable insights for improving balance assessment and fall prevention strategies for diabetic individuals.