Millions of Americans are living with diabetes, and that can make them more susceptible to shoulder issues. In fact, many Americans find out that they are diabetic after being diagnosed with a shoulder injury. One study found that roughly five percent of Americans suffer from a shoulder disorder, but that number jumps to 27.5 percent among diabetics. In other words, diabetics experience shoulder disorders at more than five times the rate of the average non-diabetic American.
So what’s going on here? Why are diabetics so much more likely to be plagued by shoulder issues than non-diabetics? Below, we take a closer look at the connection between diabetes and shoulder disorders.
Why Shoulder Problems Are More Common In Diabetics
One of the main reasons why shoulder problems are believed to be more common in diabetics is because of how their blood sugar can affect the collagen in their shoulder. Diabetics may have a tougher time managing their blood sugar levels, and elevated blood sugar can lead to a process called glycosylation. The elevated blood sugar levels effectively causes the collagen in the shoulder to become stickier, which can restrict movement in the shoulder area. This connection is believed to be the reason why diabetics are roughly six times as likely to develop frozen shoulder compared to non-diabetics.
Research has also uncovered a link between diabetes and rotator cuff problems. Although the exact cause is not known, studies have found that diabetics are more likely to:
- Suffer a rotator cuff tear compared to a non-diabetic.
- Develop complications following rotator cuff surgery compared to a diabetic.
- Develop rotator cuff tendonitis.
Moreover, diabetics with poor glycemic control tend to have a greater likelihood of retearing their rotator cuff compared to those with better glycemic control, suggesting that blood sugar management is crucial for reducing your risk of shoulder issues.
A final shoulder issue that tends to be more common among diabetics is shoulder osteoarthritis. Research has shown that insulin resistance can damage cartilage, synovial tissue and even bones, leading to faster joint deterioration and worsening arthritis symptoms.
Preventing Shoulder Problems If You Have Diabetes
As you might imagine, controlling your blood sugar levels is very important if you have diabetes, both for your body as a whole and for your shoulder. It’s also wise to be more proactive when it comes to strengthening your shoulders if you are diabetic. Your shoulder is more prone to inflammation and arthritic degeneration, and you can help to prevent these issues and control symptoms by strengthening your shoulders and practicing smart lifting habits. You have plenty to be mindful of when it comes to managing your diabetes, but considering how often we use our arms and shoulders each day, it pays to invest in your shoulder health so that diabetes doesn’t make life any more uncomfortable.
If you have questions about managing your diabetes, or you’re diabetic and dealing with shoulder discomfort, make it a point to reach out to a doctor in your area. In the greater Knoxville area, we hope you reach out to Dr. Holloway and his team at (865) 410-7887.
