The connection between diabetes and frozen shoulder: an in-depth look

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Frozen shoulder, a painful condition limiting shoulder movement, appears to have a higher incidence among individuals with diabetes.

Led by scholar Brett Paul Dyer from the School of Medicine at Keele University in the UK, the team sought to investigate whether having either type 1 or type 2 diabetes could heighten the risk of developing a frozen shoulder.

For their investigation, the researchers explored eight past studies specifically centered around the link between diabetes and frozen shoulder.

The team’s findings suggest a higher likelihood of individuals with diabetes developing a frozen shoulder.

From six studies involving a total of 5,388 participants, it was found that those with diabetes were 3.69 times more prone to develop the condition.

This implies that if you have diabetes, you’re nearly four times more likely to experience a frozen shoulder compared to those without diabetes.

Further, the team reviewed two other studies that followed patients over a period of time, both of which demonstrated a connection between diabetes and a frozen shoulder.

However, a word of caution is necessary, as seven out of the eight studied papers exhibited a high risk of bias, suggesting the results may not be wholly reliable. The eighth study showed a moderate risk of bias.

Suggestions for Medical Practitioners

Given the apparent link between diabetes and a frozen shoulder, the researchers advocate that clinicians should maintain vigilance.

During regular patient consultations, doctors are advised to inquire about any shoulder pain experienced by their diabetic patients.

Prompt diagnosis of a frozen shoulder can greatly assist in commencing early treatment, thereby managing pain and improving shoulder functionality.

Conclusion

This study underscores the increased risk of frozen shoulder among those with diabetes.

However, further research is necessary to fully comprehend the reasons behind this relationship and how to avert it.

Until then, regular health check-ups and early diagnosis remain the best strategies for managing this condition.

For those interested in diabetes-related topics, consider exploring recent studies on the benefits of flaxseed oil compared to fish oil for individuals with diabetes, as well as research by Stanford University concerning a drug that may prevent kidney failure in diabetes.

Furthermore, articles about normal blood sugar levels in diabetic patients and the potential for heavy cannabis use to decrease the incidence of diabetes might be insightful.

If you care about diabetes, please read studies about berry that could help prevent diabetes, obesity, and cancer, and this surgery could ‘cure’ type 2 diabetes.

For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about drinks that could make type 2 diabetes less deadly, and results showing this small habit can make big progress in diabetes control.

This study can be found in the publication BMJ Open.

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