Prevalence and consequences of musculoskeletal pain in the upper and lower extremities: A cross-sectional analysis of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Denmark

Aims: To describe the one-week and 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the upper and lower extremities and consequences in relation to care seeking, leisure time activity, and work life in patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes. Methods: A cross-sectional survey including adults diagnosed with type 1 and 2 diabetes from two Danish secondary care databases. Questions covered pain prevalence (shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, knee, ankle) and its consequences based on the Standardised Nordic Questionnaire. Data was presented using proportions (95 % confidence intervals). Results: The analysis included 3767 patients. The one-week prevalence was 9.3-30.8 % and 12-month prevalence 13.9-41.8 %, highest for shoulder pain (30.8-41.8 %). The prevalence was similar between type 1 and 2 diabetes for the upper extremity, but higher in type 2 for the lower extremity. Women had a higher pain prevalence for any joint for both diabetes types, while estimates did not vary between age groups (<60 or >= 60 years). More than half of the patients had reduced their activities at work or leisure time, and more than one-third had sought care during the past year because of pain. Conclusions: Musculoskeletal pain in the upper and lower extremities is common in patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes from Denmark, with considerable consequences for work and leisure activities.

Automated summary

This study investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the upper and lower extremities among patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes in Denmark, as well as its consequences on care seeking, leisure time activity, and work life. The one-week prevalence ranged from 9.3% to 30.8%, and the 12-month prevalence ranged from 13.9% to 41.8%, with the highest prevalence observed in shoulder pain. The prevalence of pain was similar between type 1 and 2 diabetes for the upper extremity, but higher in type 2 diabetes for the lower extremity. Women had a higher pain prevalence for any joint in both diabetes types, while age groups did not show significant differences. More than half of the patients had reduced their activities at work or leisure time, and more than one-third had sought care for pain in the past year.