Shoulder pain among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A cross-sectional study in Chilean population

This study aimed determine the prevalence of shoulder pain among Chilean patients with type 2 DM and to characterize their pain intensity and associated disabilities, including an analysis of sex-based differences.

A total of 151 participants with type 2 DM, aged 18-79, from family health centers in Talca, Chile, were included. Data were collected via telephone interview, capturing demographic details and information about current shoulder pain, including its duration, intensity, using a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and disability using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Statistical analysis was performed using frequency measures, Chi-squared tests, binary logistic regression, and Student's t-tests with SPSS version 21.0.

Out of 1662 eligible patients, 151 participated. The overall prevalence of shoulder pain was 53.6 % (95 % CI: 53.8-53.4), with women showing a higher prevalence (63 %; 95 % CI: 63.2-62.8) compared to men (37 %; 95 % CI: 37.2-36.8), a difference that was statistically significant (chi-square=13.5; p ≤ 0.001). The results showed that neither BMI nor sex was significantly associated with the presence of pain. No significant differences were found between sexes regarding pain intensity and disability (p ≥ 0.05).

Shoulder pain is highly prevalent among patients with type 2 DM, with a higher prevalence in women. Future research should explore the impact of this condition on patients and develop targeted musculoskeletal rehabilitation programs.