Introduction : Diabetes mellitus, an endocrine disorder is characterized by derangement of glucose homeostasis.
Musculoskeletal complications are the most common of the diabetic complications. These complications make the
physical activity much more difficult. This study has been done to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems
among the diabetics.
Objective : To assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among the diabetic patients.
Method : A cross sectional study was conducted at a Tertiary Hospital in Chennai (Govt. Stanley Medical College and
Hospital). 402 diabetic patients were included in the study during the period between October 2020 to February 2021.
After obtaining informed consent from the patients, details were collected by face-to face interview using questionnaire
designed for the study.
Results : A total of 402 response were collected in which male and female participants were nearly equal. Most of the
participants belong to upper lower class with poor educational status. Among the 402 study participants,61.44% of
the diabetic patients had at least one symptoms of musculoskeletal problems Symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders
like frozen shoulder presents in 118(29.35%) patients, medial condylitis in 101(25.12%) patients, Anserine bursitis in
150(37.31%)patients, Lateral epicondylitis in 81(20.14%) patients, Dequervain’s tenosynovitis in 80(19.91%) patients.
Conclusion : Adequate management of musculoskeletal problems in Diabetic patients can improve their quality of life.
Proper exercise training may not only have positive impacts on pain from the musculoskeletal system but also on glycaemic
control.