Rheumatic manifestations in diabetes mellitus patients

The incidence of diabetes is increasing in most countries of the world and is a major public health problem. Diabetology and rheumatology are two medical specialties that have much in common, including the immuno-pathogenesis (Auto-immune for example) and share many features. Diabetes affects the connective tissues in many ways and causes alterations in the peri-articular and the musculo-skeletal systems. Patho-genetic mechanisms for some of these conditions have not been studied and understood completely. Some of them are considered intrinsic complications of diabetes; while in others, diabetes seems to be a mere predisposition. In most cases, these manifestations are associated with functional disability and pain, affecting the quality of life of the diabetic patient. The management of such clinical conditions requires multidisciplinary team effort to diagnose them, since early diagnosis leads to a better outcome. This article reviews some clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic and epidemiological aspects of these conditions.