Frozen shoulder is a painful condition that makes it hard to move your arm and shoulder. For people with diabetes, the risk of developing this condition may be much higher than for others, according to a new study from researchers at Keele University in the UK.
Led by Brett Paul Dyer, the research team looked closely at eight previous studies that explored the link between diabetes—both type 1 and type 2—and frozen shoulder. Their analysis revealed a clear pattern: people with diabetes are much more likely to develop frozen shoulder than those without it.
In six of the studies they reviewed, involving over 5,000 participants, people with diabetes were found to be about 3.7 times more likely to get frozen shoulder. The two other studies, which followed people over time, showed similar results. Together, these findings strongly support the idea that diabetes plays a role in increasing the risk of this painful condition.
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, happens when the connective tissue around the shoulder joint becomes thickened and tight. This leads to stiffness, pain, and difficulty moving the arm. It’s a condition that can last months or even years, seriously affecting quality of life.
Although the link between diabetes and frozen shoulder appears strong, the researchers did issue a word of caution. They noted that seven of the eight studies they reviewed had some possible biases. These could be due to how the studies were designed or how the data was collected. Because of this, while the connection is convincing, it’s not yet proven beyond all doubt.
For doctors and healthcare professionals, these findings are an important reminder to watch closely for signs of frozen shoulder in their diabetic patients. Many people may not recognize the early signs—such as a dull, aching pain in the shoulder or increasing stiffness—and delay seeking help. Catching the condition early can lead to better treatment and a quicker recovery.
This study also adds to a growing body of research showing that diabetes can affect many parts of the body beyond the well-known risks like heart disease and kidney problems. It shows that joint issues, such as frozen shoulder, should also be on the radar.
If you have diabetes, regular check-ups with your doctor are essential—not just for managing blood sugar, but for keeping an eye on other complications that might arise. Paying attention to new or worsening pain, particularly in the shoulders, is important. Early diagnosis and proper care can make a big difference in managing both diabetes and its side effects.
In summary, this study provides strong evidence that people with diabetes are at significantly higher risk of developing frozen shoulder. While more research is needed to fully understand why this happens and how it can be prevented, the message is clear: being proactive about shoulder pain and overall health is key.
For those interested in exploring other aspects of diabetes research—such as how natural remedies like flaxseed oil may help, or new ways to prevent kidney damage—resources like BMJ Open are a great place to find the latest studies.
Staying informed and alert can help people with diabetes manage their condition more effectively and reduce the risk of complications like frozen shoulder.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about Vitamin D and type 2 diabetes, and what you need to know about avocado and type 2 diabetes.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about how to eat to prevent type 2 diabetes, and 5 vitamins that may prevent complication in diabetes.
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