# Diabetes and Functional Impairment in Osteoarthritis: Investigating Correlations, Associations, and Progression

## TL;DR

This study finds that diabetes worsens physical function and disability in people with osteoarthritis, suggesting the need for combined treatment approaches.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence on the combined impact of diabetes and osteoarthritis on functional impairment.

## Key findings

- Diabetic participants had significantly worse physical function and overall disability scores compared to non-diabetic participants.
- Longer diabetes duration was associated with lower physical function and total WOMAC scores.
- Chronic inflammation and advanced glycation end-products may explain the joint function deterioration in diabetic OA patients.

## Abstract

Introduction

Diabetes and osteoarthritis (OA) are prevalent chronic conditions, often occurring concurrently and complicating patient management. While the individual impact of each condition on functional impairment is well documented, their combined effect remains poorly understood. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between diabetes and OA-related functional impairment.

Methodology

This was a cross-sectional study of 290 participants with unilateral knee OA. Their demographic, clinical, and diabetes data were collected. Functional impairment was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index-Center for Rheumatic Diseases (WOMAC-CRD). Statistical analyses investigated the relationships between diabetes, OA severity, and functional impairment.

Result

Diabetic participants showed significantly worse physical function and overall disability, with lower WOMAC-CRD scores. Mean WOMAC-CRD pain scores were 6.46 (SD = 1.088) and 6.48 (SD = 1.101) for the diabetic and non-diabetic groups, respectively. Mean WOMAC-CRD stiffness scores were 6.48 (SD = 1.101) and 6.56 (SD = 1.083) for diabetic and non-diabetic groups. Diabetic participants had a mean WOMAC-CRD physical function score of 55.93 (SD = 2.484), compared to 64.02 (SD = 2.542) for non-diabetic participants. The mean total WOMAC score was 68.80 (SD = 2.857) for diabetic participants and 77.06 (SD = 2.933) for non-diabetic participants. Longer diabetes duration correlated negatively with physical function and total WOMAC scores.

Discussion

The findings suggest that diabetes exacerbates functional impairment in OA patients, particularly affecting physical function and overall disability. Chronic inflammation and the accumulation of advanced glycation end-products may contribute to the observed deterioration in joint function.

Conclusion

Integrated management strategies addressing both diabetes and OA are essential for optimizing patient care.