Diabetic Cheiroathropathy. A Musculoskeletal Complication of Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Diabetic Cheiroarthropathy, DCA, is a recognized long-term musculoskeletal complication seen in people living with diabetes mellitus (DM). It is characterized by limitation of mobility in the small joints of the hands and feet with possible disability. Globally, approximately 33% of people living with DM have been observed to have DCA with evidence of association with microvascular complications. This association makes it pertinent to screen for microvascular complications in DCA patients. Modalities of treatment include controlling glycaemic control to target, aminoguanidine, (a promising compound that prevents advanced glycation end products ( AGEP) formation, physiotherapy, and the intraarticular injection of steroids as the case may be. This paper is aimed at sensitizing clinicians on this almost forgotten clinical condition that may affect the quality of life as well as act as a physical marker of microangiopathy in DM patients.