The Correlation between Rheumatological Manifestations and Diabetes Complications and Indices

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus represents approximately 90% of all cases of diabetes. Nonvascular complications include gastrointestinal, genitourinary, dermatologic, infectious periodontal disease and rheumatological. Diabetic amyotrophy is characterized by muscle weakness and wasting, and by diffuse, proximal lower limb muscle pain, and asymmetrical loss of tendon jerks. There have been not much studies on diabetes and its association between rheumatological manifestations. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim to determine the correlation between rheumatological manifestations and diabetes complications and indices. Subjects and Methods:The present cross sectional study enrolled 100 subjects reporting to Department of Medicine, Rajindra Hospital/ Government Medical College, Patiala. Complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor, serum uric acid were done. The rheumatoid factor upto 20 IU/dl and serum uric acid upto 7 mg/dl was taken as normal. X-rays of hand, shoulder, knee, spine and other involved joints wherever necessary were done. Examination of musculoskeletal system was performed. All the data thus obtained was arranged in a tabulated form and analyzed using SPSS software. Student t test was used for statistical analysis. Probability value of less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Mean value of HbA1C of patients with rheumatological manifestations was 8.43 ±1.14 whereas Mean value of HbA1C of patients without rheumatological manifestations was 7.10±0.93. On statistical analysis significant association between rheumatological manifestations and HbA1c was found. On statistical analysis positive association between rheumatological manifestations and retinopathy was noted. Conclusion: Positive association of retinopathy and neuropathy was seen in our study with rheumatological manifestations in T2DM. So, screening of diabetic patients for the presence of rheumatic complications is needed, since early recognition of these lessens the chances of irreversible damage.