Volume 1 number 1 Summer 2003
Special issue for the abstracts of the 7th Pan Arab Conference on Diabetes
PACD7 , 25 – 28 March 2003 Cairo

Abstract Number : 19
LIMITED JOINT MOBILITY IN DIABETIC PATIENTS .

Maher BEJI, Tunisia

Department of internal Medicine, military hospital Gabes, Gabès 6000 Tunisia..

Limited joint mobility (LJM) is caused by an increase of abnormal connective tissue in the skin, especially in the surrounding of joint, resulting in decreased mobility. It has been recognized as a complication in diabetes mellitus. Patients suffering from LJM often complain of decreased mobility in the hips, stiff hand and painful shoulder. We examined the prevalence of LJM in a group of 380 diabetic patients: type 2 (male and female) and type 1(male and female). Many parameters were noted, case history, habits, characteristics and complications of diabetes mellitus (neuropathy and retinopathy) and duration of diabetes was observed. In women with diabetes mellitus more often complaints related to LJM or restrictions in joint mobility were found, compared to diabetic men. In conclusion, a positive Prayer’s sign is indicative for the presence of LJM. Other complaints with regard to joints were also observed. The relationship between LJM and other complications of diabetes mellitus may indicate that glycosylation of proteins is involved in the pathogenesis of LJM.

OnlineDiabetes Journal, All rights reserved