Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
Author Spotlight: Integrating Tai Chi with Mindfulness Training to Achieve an Effective Mind-Body Exercise
Published on: July 14, 2023
High Prevalence of Achilles Tendon Enthesopathic Changes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Without Peripheral
Background:
Metabolic disorders are known to alter the mechanical properties of tendons. We sought to evaluate the prevalence of asymptomatic Achilles tendon enthesopathic changes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) without peripheral neuropathy.
Methods:
We recruited 43 patients with T2DM and 40 controls. Neuropathy was excluded with the Michigan Neuropathy Scoring Instrument. Bilateral ultrasonography of the Achilles tendon enthesis was performed.
Results:
Patients with T2DM had a higher prevalence of hypoechogenicity (26.7% versus 2.5%; P = .0001), entheseal thickening (24.4% versus 8.7%; P = .007), and enthesophytes (74.4% versus 57.5%; P = .02). No differences were found in the number of patients with erosions (1.2% versus 0%; P > .99), cortical irregularities (11.6% versus 3.7%; P = .09), bursitis (5.8% versus 3.7%; P = .72), or tears (2.3% versus 1.2%; P > .99). The mean ± SD sum of abnormalities was higher in patients with T2DM (1.5 ± 1.1 versus 0.7 ± 0.6; P < .0001), as was the percentage of bilateral involvement (72.1% versus 45.0%; P = .01). Mean ± SD thickness did not differ between patients and controls (4.4 ± 1.1 mm versus 4.2 ± 0.8 mm; P = .07).
Conclusions:
According to our data, there is an elevated prevalence of asymptomatic Achilles tendon enthesopathic changes in patients with T2DM independent of peripheral neuropathy.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
01:36Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...