In this review we focus on the evidence for an association between musculoskeletal (MSK) manifestations and diabetes mellitus (DM).
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.
MSK manifestations of DM are relatively common. The duration of DM is often linked to the onset of some MSK features.
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.