PREVALENCE OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS AMONG EGYPTIAN DIABETIC TYPE 2 PATIENTS

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is characterized by cartilage degeneration or degradation of one or more joints. It is a common condition to affect synovial joints, the single most important cause of locomotor disability and a major challenge to health care. Previous studies have suggested that diabetic patients are at higher risk of developing rheumatic disorders. Some have reported a correlation of osteoarthritis with longer diabetes mellitus duration and poor glycemic control. Furthermore, the presence of peripheral neuropathy in diabetes mellitus patients may increase the risk of aggressive forms of osteoarthritis. Some studies found that type 2 diabetes increases incidence of knee osteoarthritis and predicts the development of severe osteoarthritis independent of age and Body Mass Index. This paper gives data about prevalence and severity of osteoarthritis in diabetic type 2 patients.