Musculoskeletal complications in patients with diabetes mellitus: Experience of rehabilitation department

Abstract

The complications arising from longstanding type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can affect almost all systems of the human body and preferentially affect the kidneys, heart, eyes, nerves, and musculoskeletal (MSK) system. MSK complications are seldom considered life threatening, they can cause significant disability and affect the quality of life [1]. The objective of the study was to investigate the MSK complications of T2DM among outpatients in a rehabilitation department. A cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital for one year period. Diabetic patients referred to physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient were included. We collected socio demographic data, information about diabetes duration, treatment, control and MSK complications diagnosed. We screened a total of 340 patients. Forty patients were having the duration of diabetes for < 1 year. A majority of the participants were having uncontrolled diabetes. The mean BMI was 26.4. MSK complications were found in 340 patients. Low back pain (LBP) was the most frequent reported symptom (n = 84; 24.7%). Other complications were knee pain, shoulder pain, hand and wrist complications. Musculoskeletal complications of T2DM are common and can result in significant disability in this population. Optimal care of diabetics should include prevention and management of such complications.