Publication:

Musculoskeletal disorders in patients with diabetes mellitus: a neglected manifestation

Background A variety of musculoskeletal manifestations are commonly related with diabetes mellitus. This study is aimed at evaluating the prevalence and clinical spectrum of musculoskeletal manifestations in patients with diabetes mellitus in KJ Somaiya Hospital, Mumbai.

Methods A tertiary care centre based cross-sectional study was conducted with 82 patients from November 2018 to October 2020 to evaluate the pattern of musculoskeletal (MSK) manifestations in adult diabetic patients and to correlate them with duration and control of diabetes. A detailed history and clinical examination were noted in each patient with particular importance given on musculoskeletal examination and relevant investigations.

Results Most of the patients (35.6%) were aged between 51 and 60 years. Female patients accounted for 63.4% of the study population. 69 (84.2%) patients had HbA1c ≥7 (poor glycaemic control). The most common musculoskeletal manifestation was Frozen shoulder (18.3%) followed by Osteoarthritis (17.1%).

Conclusions Musculoskeletal manifestations are quite prevalent in patients with diabetes mellitus, and there is significant correlation between development of these manifestations and glycaemic control, age and duration of diabetes of patients.