Assessment of musculoskeletal findings in diabetic patients and relations with metabolic parameters

Introduction and Objective: Diabetes mellitus has been associated with many different musculoskeletal system problems. It is very important to recognize these problems for treatment and improvementof quality of life. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal system involvement and its relationship with metabolic parametersin our diabetes patients. Materials and Methods: 702 diabetic patients, who were admitted to Celal Bayar University, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism between March 2017 and February 2018, were included in this study. The patients were examined for musculoskeletal findings and the relationship between these findings and patients' age, gender, type of diabetes, duration of diabetes, metabolic parameters and microvascular complications were evaluated. Findings: Musculoskeletal involvement was observed in 45.9% of patients. The most common findings were carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren contracture and adhesive capsulitis. A statistically significant relationship was found between the duration of diabetes and the findings of musculoskeletal involvement except for Charcot arthropathy; and also, between HbA1c level and Dupuytren contracture, carpal tunnel syndrome and adhesive capsulitis. It has been observed that,with presence of microvascular complications, the prevalence of musculoskeletal involvement was increased. Conclusion: Involvementof musculoskeletal system is common in patients with diabetes. Patient's age, duration of diabetes, HbA1c level and presence of microvascular complications are associated with development of these problems. Glycemic control is recommended for musculoskeletal symptoms, similar to recommendations for other complications. All diabetic patients should be carefully assessed and monitored for musculoskeletal involvement during visits.