A study of Rheumatological manifestations in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Diabetes mellitus, a silent epidemic with micro and macroangiopthic complications and also has less recognized rheumatic syndromes which are debilitating. Objective of the study: To study the prevalence of rheumatological manifestations uniquely associated with type 2 diabetes and to analyse the risk factors associated with these manifestations in them. Methods: It is a cross sectional descriptive study done with a sample size of 200 persons having established type 2 diabetes mellitus at our institution. They are subjected to detailed history, clinical examination with special emphasis on the rheumatological problem. Investigations like CBC, diabetic profile, X ray spine and joints are also done. Clinical/criteria based assessment of rheumatological manifestations towards LJM, AC, CTS, DC, TF, DISH and charcot Joint are done. The data is analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Descriptive statistics such as mean, range and standard deviation are used to present continuous variables, and frequency (percentage) is used to present categorical variables. Analysis done with binary logistic regression method. Results: The prevalence of rheumatological problem in type 2 diabetes is very common (36%). LJM(19%), AC(11%) were the commonest manifestation. Significant p value <0.01 were seen for the following factors: BMI, duration of diabetes, HbA1c level, dyslipidemia, retinopathy and nephropathy. Conclusion: The rheumatological problem in type 2 diabetes had strong correlation with BMI, duration of diabetes, dyslipidemia, HbA1c, retinopathy and neuropathy. Hence lifestyle modification, effective glycemic control, addressing dyslipidemia, detecting and treating the rheumatological manifestation early may improve the quality of life.