Effect of Musculoskeletal Disorders on ADLs of Patients with Diabetes

Background: An increased prevalence of musculoskeletal disease is recognised in diabetes and is a common source of disability. It is known to predominantly affect the upper limbs especially the hand and shoulder. The relationship with other complications of diabetes and glycaemic control is uncertain. Physical disability is a useful measure of the overall effect of diabetes on health. Disability can be defined in several ways, including difficulties with activities of daily living (ADL), difficulties with instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and mobility limitations. Therefore, in this study, the effect of musculoskeletal disorder on patients with diabetes was investigated. Objective: To evaluate the effect of musculoskeletal disorders on ADLs of patients with diabetes. Method: After getting the ethical approval from the institutional ethical committee, subjects were screened based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects willing to participate in the study were enrolled and a written informed consent was obtained from all the participants. Demographics of the patients were noted in the data collection sheet. ADLs, IADLs and Nordic scale were taken on patients. Result: Mostly involved joint is shoulder joint and knee joint and due to this patient face difficulty in their ADLs like overhead activities (dressing and bathing) and toileting. Conclusion: The risk of musculoskeletal disorders is more in diabetic patients due to poor glycemic control and according to the involved joint they face difficulty in their activities of daily living.