Background: Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most common metabolic disorders causing pathophysiologic changes in multiple organs. Considering the burden of diabetes and its complications, this study aimed to evaluate the frequency of musculoskeletal complications in diabetic patients.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 327 diabetic patients referred to Kashan diabetes center during 2009-10. Age, the type of diabetes and clinical manifestations such as arthralgia, paresthesia, and limited range of movement of joints were obtained from the hospital medical records of patients and then musculoskeletal complaints (e.g., adhesive capsulitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, dupuytren's contracture, trigger finger, and limited range of movement of joints) were diagnosed and recorded by a rheumatologist.

Results: The mean ages of type II and I diabetic patients were 54.6±12.61 and 29.7±10.36 years, respectively. Carpal tunnel syndrome (49.8%), knee osteoarthritis (45%), sclerodactyly (27.2%), dupuytren's contracture (14.1%), trigger finger (11.9%), adhesive capsulitis (11.9%), limited joint movements' syndrome (8%) and Charcot joint (0.6%) were seen in patients. There was a significant relationship between the type of diabetes and knee osteoarthritis (P<0.003 OR=1.86 CI=1.05-3.30) and also carpal tunnel syndrome (P<0.045). A significant relationship was also seen between duration of disease and trigger finger, dupuytren's contracture (OR=3.76 CI=1.9-7.41) and limited joint movements.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that type of diabetes and also its duration (over 15 years) may increase the risk of musculoskeletal complications. Hence, careful periodic examinations of all diabetic patients are recommended.