Diabetes Leads To Bone And Joint Problems: Doctors

~Problems such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and frozen shoulders are commonly seen in diabetic patients. It is imperative to manage blood sugar levels to take care of bone and joint health~

Mumbai: Uncontrolled blood sugar levels not only lead to cardiovascular diseases, kidney problems, or eye problems but even bone and joint problems. There is a surge in the number of people with diabetes having bone and joint problems. It is the need of the hour to check blood sugar levels on a regular basis, eat a well-balanced diet inclusive of all the vital nutrients, stay stress-free, exercise daily, and avoid junk, spicy and oily food. Do not ignore your bone and joint health, and seek timely intervention if need be.

Dr Sachin Bhat, Consultant Orthopaedic SRV Hospital, Goregaon, ‘‘Diabetes is known to take a toll on your overall well-being. It can impact one’s and every organ. So, those with diabetes will also encounter bone and joint problems. Diabetes is a silent killer and can give you a tough time. Diabetes impacts one’s shoulders, feet, and ankles due to limited joint mobility. Osteoporosis leads to weaker bones and fractures and is a common condition seen due to diabetes. The signs and symptoms of it are loss of height, stooped posture or broken bones. Osteoarthritis means a joint disorder that involves the breakdown of joint cartilage and occurs in people with diabetes. The products of Diabetes eat away at the cartilage.

Dr Bhat added, ‘‘The prevalence of OA in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is higher than in non-diabetics. It is as high as 52 % in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus then at 27% in non-diabetics. Diabetes not only affects the eyes, legs, heart or kidney but even the bones and joints. It is known to induce bone and joint problems in youngsters as well as adults. It can lead to a variety of problems such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and even a frozen shoulder. If you have diabetes, then do not skip your medication, and take insulin on time as recommended by the doctor. If you have joint pain due to diabetes then rest enough, do weight-bearing exercises, and massage the joint. Treatment may also include surgery such as knee or hip replacement. You will have to do it only when the doctor asks you to undergo surgery’’

Dr Om Patil, Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon, Apollo Spectra Mumbai Said, “Diabetes sufferers are facing bone and joint problems. Diabetes is a silent killer. Managing blood sugar levels is essential to prevent bone and joint problems. Try to eat a well-balanced diet inclusive of all the vital nutrients, exercise daily, take supplements as advised by the doctor, and maintain an optimum weight.’’

Dr Aarti Ullal, Consultant Endocrinology, Global Hospitals, Mumbai, ‘‘People with diabetes are known to have low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that allows the body to absorb calcium needed to maintain bone density. Elevated blood glucose levels may raise the chances of chronic inflammation that is known to impact the strength of the bone. Such people have a higher risk of fractures and joint pain and can suffer from osteoporosis later in life. People should be aware that diabetes and osteoporosis, are both chronic conditions and they require early and specific management.’’