Musculoskeletal conditions (conditions affecting the muscles or skeleton) can affect anyone, but people with diabetes can be at an increased risk of developing them.
The reasons for this are not fully understood, but it is thought that raised blood glucose levels may, over time, cause changes to the naturally occurring protein collagen. Collagen is the main constituent of connective tissue and is present in the skin, cartilage, tendons and ligaments (see the Glossary of useful terms). Glucose can bind to strands of collagen in a process known as glycosylation, and lead to the formation of cross-links with adjacent collagen strands. As a result the whole structure of the skin, or a tendon or ligament, can become thicker and less flexible, and this may lead to, or aggravate, a range of musculoskeletal conditions. Good blood glucose control can help reduce the risk of developing this type of disorder.
If musculoskeletal conditions do develop then treatment options include resting the affected joint, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory painkillers, steroid injections (to help reduce any inflammation) and, in extreme cases, surgery. Ultrasound may also sometimes be beneficial – the reasons for this are not fully understood, but it is thought to help reduce inflammation.
Steroid injections can increase blood glucose levels for approximately 24 hours and therefore you may need to carry out blood glucose tests more frequently following an injection. Your diabetes care team will be able to give advice about managing high blood glucose levels.