Diabetes can cause problems in the upper and lower limbs. Similar issues also occur in people without diabetes, but less frequently.
When the blood sugar level is high, glucose attaches to proteins in the connective tissues. As a result of chemical reactions, the collagen in the connective tissue becomes thicker and more rigid. High blood sugar and the narrowing of blood vessels can also impair circulation in the musculoskeletal system and nervous system. Overweight puts a strain on the load-bearing joints, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis and gout. Other underlying factors include hereditary predisposition and the length of diabetes.
Typical issues in the upper limbs include inflammations and restricted mobility in the shoulders, carpal syndrome, trapped nerve, thickening of the tendon sheaths in fingers as well as the stiffening and restricted extension of the small finger joints.
Diabetes can also have an effect on the growth and degradation of bone, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.