The Prevalence of Limited Joint Mobility in Patients with Type I Diabetes Mellitus in Kerman

Background & Aims: Limited joint mobility (LJM) is a complication of diabetes mellitus, which usually begins from the small joints of hands and is associated with long-term complications of diabetes, such as retinopathy and nephropathy. The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of Limited Joint Mobility in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Kerman in 2003. Methods: Sixty-six patients with type I diabetes mellitus (case group) and 66 sex- and age-matched, healthy subjects (control group) were enrolled into the study. LJM was diagnosed with "prayer sign" and its severity was categorized into 3 levels of mild, moderate, and severe. The results of measurements of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), date of birth, date of onset of diabetes, sex, weight, and height were recorded, as well. Anthropometric indices were calculated using the reference data of NCHS and WHO. Results: Case and control groups had similar gender and age distributions. Anthropometric indices were significantly lower in cases than in controls (P<0.05). LJM was observed in 25 ones in case group (37.9%) and in 5 ones in control group (7.6%) that shows statistically significant difference (P<0.001). LJM in diabetic patients was positively correlated with age (P=0.047) and duration of diabetes (P<0.003), but not with age of onset of diabetes (P>0.05). Mean level of HbA1c was significantly higher in diabetics with LJM than in those without LJM (P<0.001). The presence and severity of LJM was inversely correlated with height for age and weight for age indices in the study group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The observed results are in accordance with prevalence rates reported previously. Since LJM has been associated with more serious long-term complications of diabetes in cross-sectional studies, we believe diabetic patients should be tested routinely for this forgotten sign and appropriate preventive measures should be taken.