| Summary: | Background: Cognitive dysfunction and neuropathy are common complications of diabetes mellitus that can significantly affect movement quality and daily activities. Objective: This study aimed to investigate how motor and cognitive dual-tasking impacts functional performance in individuals with diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. Methods: The study is a cross-sectional observational study that involved 55 adults under 60 years of age, divided into three groups: diabetes (DG), diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DNG), and a healthy control group (CG). Participants underwent assessments using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and functional tests: Timed Up and Go test, Timed Up and Go with Dual-Task and a 10-meter gait speed test. All tests were controlled by an accelerometer. Results: Dual-tasking increased the time needed to complete the TUGWDT tests for all groups (27,7% in CG, 18,8% in DG and 24,7% in DNG). Individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy had slower gait speeds than those without neuropathy (17% lower) and healthy controls (35% lower). Diabetes alone also reduced gait speed compared to healthy individuals (22% lower). The cost of dual-tasking was more pronounced in healthy individuals. Conclusion: Diabetes and its complications affect dual-tasking performance and gait speed. This highlights the possible need for physical and cognitive interventions to improve patient's quality of life.
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