Mechanisms of Vestibular System Damage in Diabetes Mellitus: Implications for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Pathogenesis and Recurrence

Hajjari, Seyedeh Nazanin; Jafarlou, Fatemeh

doi:10.47176/mjiri.40.75

Volume 40, Issue 1 (1-2026) Med J Islam Repub Iran 2026 | Back to browse issues page

‎ 10.47176/mjiri.40.75

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Hajjari S N, Jafarlou F. Mechanisms of Vestibular System Damage in Diabetes Mellitus: Implications for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Pathogenesis and Recurrence. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2026; 40 (1) :672-682
URL: http://mjiri.iums.ac.ir/article-1-10111-en.html

Mechanisms of Vestibular System Damage in Diabetes Mellitus: Implications for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Pathogenesis and Recurrence

Seyedeh Nazanin Hajjari

, Fatemeh Jafarlou

Department of Audiology, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran , Jafarlouf@tbzmed.ac.ir

Abstract: (218 Views)

    Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasingly recognized as an independent risk factor for falls and balance disorders in elderly populations. While diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy are well-established complications, the role of vestibular system dysfunction has been underappreciated. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the most common peripheral vestibular disorder, demonstrates markedly increased prevalence and recurrence in diabetic patients, yet the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Therefore, the aim of the present review was to investigate the mechanism and pathophysiology of vestibular system damage in diabetes and its association with increased risk of BPPV recurrence.
   Methods: We conducted a narrative review by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using keywords related to diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, vestibular system, and BPPV. Our initial search yielded 847 articles; after screening and manual reference review, 12 studies (4,937 total participants) meeting inclusion criteria were selected for detailed analysis. Study designs included histopathological analyses, cross-sectional studies, retrospective cohorts, and one randomized controlled trial.
   Results: Evidence identifies four convergent mechanisms: selective saccular hair cell loss, nerve demyelination, disrupted calcium/vitamin D metabolism causing otoconia fragility, and microangiopathy. DM independently predicts BPPV onset (OR 1.5–2.1) and recurrence (>50% vs. 27%), with VEMP latencies correlating with HbA1c levels.
   Conclusion: Diabetes induces multifactorial vestibular damage, significantly increasing BPPV occurrence and recurrence. Management requires metabolic optimization, vestibular screening with VEMP, vitamin D supplementation, and integration of vestibular rehabilitation.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Hyperglycemia, Vestibular system, Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials

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: Review Article | Subject: Audiology

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Medical Journal of The Islamic Republic of Iran (MJIRI)

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