Skip to main content

Lund University Publications

LUND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Upper-Limb Complications in Diabetes : A Narrative Review

Braffett, Barbara H. ; Berg, Tore Julsrud ; Zimmerman, Malin LU orcid ; Olesen, Kasper ; Gregersen, Søren ; Krogsgaard, Michael R. ; Dahlin, Lars B. LU orcid and Nørgaard, Kirsten (2025) In Diabetes Care 48(11). p.1865-1874
Abstract

Upper-limb complications (ULCs) in diabetes, affecting joints, tendons, muscles, con-nective tissue, nerves, and skin, are underrecognized but prevalent conditions in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Advances in diabetes care have extended life expectancy, leading to an aging population with diabetes with increased susceptibility to long-term complications beyond traditional vascular issues. Despite some data on ULCs epidemiology, understanding of their pathogenesis, prevention, and impact on quality of life remains limited, and treatments are often based on clinical experience rather than robust evidence. ULCs, including frozen shoulder, trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve entrapment, Dupuytren disease with contracture, and... (More)

Upper-limb complications (ULCs) in diabetes, affecting joints, tendons, muscles, con-nective tissue, nerves, and skin, are underrecognized but prevalent conditions in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Advances in diabetes care have extended life expectancy, leading to an aging population with diabetes with increased susceptibility to long-term complications beyond traditional vascular issues. Despite some data on ULCs epidemiology, understanding of their pathogenesis, prevention, and impact on quality of life remains limited, and treatments are often based on clinical experience rather than robust evidence. ULCs, including frozen shoulder, trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve entrapment, Dupuytren disease with contracture, and limited joint mobility, occur two to three times more frequently in diabetes, with higher rates in individuals aged>50 years and those with longer diabetes duration. Chronic hyperglycemia, glycation of collagen, and low-grade inflammation are hy-pothesized contributors. Modifiable risk factors include poor glycemic control, smok-ing, and obesity. Individuals with diabetes face slower symptom resolution, higher recurrence rates, and a greater likelihood of bilateral or multiple conditions. Aware-ness among clinicians and patients is critical, with emphasis on routine screening and proactive management. Early diagnosis, patient education, and targeted interventions can mitigate long-term complications and improve quality of life. Future guidelines should integrate ULC monitoring into routine diabetes care and prioritize clinical trials to establish evidence-based management strategies. Addressing ULCs comprehensively will enhance outcomes for individuals with diabetes, ensuring bet-ter functional health and reduced societal burden.

(Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
; ; ; ; ; ; and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
in
Diabetes Care
volume
48
issue
11
pages
10 pages
publisher
American Diabetes Association
external identifiers
  • pmid:40549488
  • scopus:105019716083
ISSN
0149-5992
DOI
10.2337/dci25-0012
language
English
LU publication?
yes
additional info
Publisher Copyright: © 2025 by the American Diabetes Association.
id
4c1fb48d-a8c9-4999-b515-ff87cf14af69
date added to LUP
2025-12-16 15:36:49
date last changed
2025-12-16 15:38:06
@article{4c1fb48d-a8c9-4999-b515-ff87cf14af69,
  abstract     = {{<p>Upper-limb complications (ULCs) in diabetes, affecting joints, tendons, muscles, con-nective tissue, nerves, and skin, are underrecognized but prevalent conditions in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Advances in diabetes care have extended life expectancy, leading to an aging population with diabetes with increased susceptibility to long-term complications beyond traditional vascular issues. Despite some data on ULCs epidemiology, understanding of their pathogenesis, prevention, and impact on quality of life remains limited, and treatments are often based on clinical experience rather than robust evidence. ULCs, including frozen shoulder, trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve entrapment, Dupuytren disease with contracture, and limited joint mobility, occur two to three times more frequently in diabetes, with higher rates in individuals aged&gt;50 years and those with longer diabetes duration. Chronic hyperglycemia, glycation of collagen, and low-grade inflammation are hy-pothesized contributors. Modifiable risk factors include poor glycemic control, smok-ing, and obesity. Individuals with diabetes face slower symptom resolution, higher recurrence rates, and a greater likelihood of bilateral or multiple conditions. Aware-ness among clinicians and patients is critical, with emphasis on routine screening and proactive management. Early diagnosis, patient education, and targeted interventions can mitigate long-term complications and improve quality of life. Future guidelines should integrate ULC monitoring into routine diabetes care and prioritize clinical trials to establish evidence-based management strategies. Addressing ULCs comprehensively will enhance outcomes for individuals with diabetes, ensuring bet-ter functional health and reduced societal burden.</p>}},
  author       = {{Braffett, Barbara H. and Berg, Tore Julsrud and Zimmerman, Malin and Olesen, Kasper and Gregersen, Søren and Krogsgaard, Michael R. and Dahlin, Lars B. and Nørgaard, Kirsten}},
  issn         = {{0149-5992}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  number       = {{11}},
  pages        = {{1865--1874}},
  publisher    = {{American Diabetes Association}},
  series       = {{Diabetes Care}},
  title        = {{Upper-Limb Complications in Diabetes : A Narrative Review}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.2337/dci25-0012}},
  doi          = {{10.2337/dci25-0012}},
  volume       = {{48}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}