Objectives: In this review we focus on the evidence for an association between musculoskeletal (MSK) manifestations and diabetes mellitus (DM).
Method: A systematic literature review was performed using the PubMed database for articles that have been published in the past 8 years (from January 2003 to August 2011) for keywords referring to MSK manifestations and DM. Where possible we have distinguished between manifestations that occur in type 1 as opposed to type 2 DM. However, this was not easy because many reports do not make the distinction.
Results: MSK manifestations of DM are relatively common. The duration of DM is often linked to the onset of some MSK features.
Conclusions: Patients with DM have been reported to have an increased prevalence of several MSK manifestations. It is important to be aware of MSK complications of DM. A better control of the glucose level may be useful.