Frozen shoulder, a condition that causes pain and stiffness, can make even small movements of the shoulder difficult and uncomfortable.
New research suggests that people with diabetes may face a higher risk of developing this condition compared to those without the disease.
This finding comes from a review of past studies published on January 4 in the journal BMJ Open.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, happens when the tissues around the shoulder joint become thick and tight. Over time, this limits movement and can cause significant pain.
While the exact cause isn’t always clear, frozen shoulder often develops after an injury or surgery, and it appears to be more common in people with certain underlying health conditions like diabetes.
Understanding the Study
The research was led by Brett Paul Dyer from Keele University in the UK. His team wanted to find out whether diabetes—either type 1 or type 2—raises the chances of developing frozen shoulder.
To investigate this, they analyzed eight previous studies that explored the connection between diabetes and frozen shoulder.
Key Findings
The researchers found strong evidence that diabetes significantly increases the risk of frozen shoulder.
In six studies that included a total of 5,388 people, they discovered that individuals with diabetes were almost four times more likely to develop frozen shoulder compared to those without diabetes.
Two additional studies, which followed participants over time, also supported this link.
However, the researchers noted a limitation: most of the studies they reviewed had a high risk of bias, meaning the findings might not be entirely accurate. Only one of the eight studies showed moderate reliability.
Why Does This Matter?
This research highlights an important issue for people with diabetes and their healthcare providers. Diabetes affects many parts of the body, including the joints, and frozen shoulder is just one example of how it can lead to additional health challenges.
For people with diabetes, understanding this risk could lead to earlier detection and better management of the condition.
Practical Advice for Doctors and Patients
The researchers recommend that doctors routinely check for shoulder pain in their patients with diabetes during regular visits. Identifying frozen shoulder early can make a big difference. Early treatment can help reduce pain, improve movement, and prevent the condition from worsening.
While more research is needed to understand why diabetes is linked to frozen shoulder, healthcare providers can take immediate steps to help patients by monitoring symptoms and offering timely interventions.
Broader Implications
This study sheds light on another way diabetes can impact the body, reinforcing the importance of regular medical care for people with this condition.
In addition to monitoring blood sugar levels, it’s crucial for patients and doctors to pay attention to other potential complications, including joint and musculoskeletal issues.
Further research could help answer important questions, such as why diabetes increases the risk of frozen shoulder and how to prevent it. In the meantime, early diagnosis and treatment remain the best strategies for managing this painful condition.
The study was published in BMJ Open, a peer-reviewed journal that focuses on medical research.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about a cure for type 2 diabetes, and these vegetables could protect against kidney damage in diabetes.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about bone drug that could lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and results showing eating more eggs linked to higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
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