Gender-Based Differences in Musculoskeletal Disorders among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study from North India

AIM: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases among patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus according to gender. In order to promote gender-sensitive diabetes care, it attempts to investigate the ways in which sex-specific characteristics such as hormones, body composition, and lifestyle contribute to these issues. METHOD AND MATERIALS: This 12-month cross-sectional analytical investigation was carried out in the orthopaedic outpatient clinics at RML-IMS and KGMU in Lucknow. Convenient sampling was used to register 400 adult patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Laboratory testing (FBS, PPBS, HbA1c), radiographic evaluations, anthropometric measures, and thorough clinical evaluations were also carried out. To evaluate gender-based differences, the data were statistically analysed, with significance defined at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Tendinitis (37%) and adhesive capsulitis (35.5%) were the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions among 400 T2DM patients. Dupuytren's contracture (12.5%), carpal tunnel syndrome (9.3%), and cheiroarthropathy (2.3%) were next in line. There was notable gender-based disparities: tendinitis was more common in females (p = 0.021), whereas adhesive capsulitis was more common in males (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Glycaemic management, BMI, and lifestyle all have an impact on the study's findings, which show notable gender-based variations in musculoskeletal problems among T2DM patients. Including gender-sensitive methods can improve diabetes management results and early detection Key words: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Gender Differences, Tendinitis, Adhesive Capsulitis, Gender Medicine, Diabetic Complications