Upper-Extremity Impairments in Type 1 Diabetes: Results From a Controlled Nationwide Study
Sabina Wagner1, Kirsten Nørgaard1,2, Ingrid Willaing1,3
1Copenhagen University Hospital-Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark.
Objective:
This study aimed to identify current and lifetime prevalence of upper-extremity impairments (UEIs) among individuals with type 1 diabetes and explore factors associated with UEIs.
Research Design And Methods:
In a Danish cross-sectional nationwide case-control study, data on UEIs and health behavior were paired with data on sociodemographics and clinical factors from national registers. Participants included individuals with type 1 diabetes (n = 2,245) and a control group (n = 841). Differences between groups were assessed using binomial proportions and multivariable logistic regression.
Results:
Compared with controls, individuals with type 1 diabetes were significantly (P < 0.05) more likely to experience frozen shoulder (odds ratio [OR] 3.5), carpal tunnel syndrome (OR 3.5), trigger finger (OR 5.0), and Dupuytren contracture (OR 4.3). They were also more likely to have several coexisting impairments than the control group (P < 0.01). Diabetes duration was associated with all four impairments.
Conclusions:
UEIs are common, particularly among individuals with type 1 diabetes.
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