IntroductionDiabetes-mellitus (DM) has transcended the boundaries and affected populations across globe, it predisposes individual to stiffness and musculoskeletal-pain due to accumulation of glycation-end-products. Musculoskeletal-pain is a common yet frequently neglected complication. Pain mechanisms have been categorized as nociceptive, neuropathic, nociplastic, and idiopathic. Four criteria were put by Kosek-et-al to identify nociplastic pain that affects the musculoskeletal-system. Study aimed to evaluate prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal (cMSK) pain and its association with diabetes and glycaemic control and to evaluate comorbid conditions of cMSK pain. Methods and materialsA prospective case-control study was conducted at a level-1-tertiary-care-facility. Patients with type-2 DM above 30-years-age who visited outpatient department participated in the study (study group). Age-matched equal number of healthy individuals (control-cohort) were recruited in the study. We collected data from 300 participants in each group. Analysis was done based-on HbA1c-levels, random-blood-sugar (RBS),clinical-history, and comorbidities. Information regarding cMSK-pain was gathered using modified version of Nordic standard questionnaire. ResultsOverall prevalence of cMSK pain was 23.3 % (140 out of 600). Among Group-1/Diabetic group, it was 27.7 % and among group-2/Healthy Cohort it was 19 % and the odds ratio was 1.6. Most commonly reported region with cMSK among group-1 and group-2 was shoulder (32.5 %) and knee (36.8 %) respectively. We found a significant association between cMSK-pain and HbA1c levels (p < 0.005). and individuals with HbA1c levels of more than 12 reported involvements in multiple regions. We didn't find significant association between cMSK and DM, HTN, dyslipidemia, or hypothyroidism (P > 0.05). ConclusionStudy highlights higher-prevalence and significant impact of cMSK pain in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic individuals. Addressing musculoskeletal-pain is crucial for improving overall quality-of-life in diabetic patients. Clinicians should adopt a proactive and comprehensive approach to pain management in diabetics. Using a simple Nordic questionnaire during routine check-ups helps with screening of joint and surrounding soft tissue pathology, preventing future complications that could lead to disability.
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