Prevalence of Knee Osteoarthritis and its Section Associated Factors in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) are both highly prevalent chronic conditions that lead to significant disability and economic burden on society. This study primarily focuses on the prevalence of knee OA in T2DM, individual risk factors, and their impact on knee OA in T2DM patients. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of knee OA and to determine the factors associated with knee OA among patients with T2DM attending the diabetes clinic. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of General Medicine, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India among 200 T2DM patients (103 males and 97 females) according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines. Demographic data and disease variables were recorded for all patients. Knee OA was assessed using clinicoradiological American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for knee OA, with the right knee considered as the index knee. Radiographs were evaluated using the Kellgren Lawrence (KL) grading system for knee OA. Functional status for knee OA was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). Statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info version 7.0 software. Results: A total of 200 patients were included in the study, with 103 (51.5%) males and 97 (48.5%) females. The mean age was 53.93±9.94 years, and the mean BMI was 23.29±3.6 kg/m2 . The mean duration of T2DM was 49±52.22 months. The prevalence of knee OA in T2DM patients was 46.3%. Among the disease variables in patients with knee OA and without knee OA, the mean age was 54±10 years and 50±7.9 years, respectively. The mean BMI was 23.29±3.61 kg/m2 and 22.69±3.04 kg/m2 , respectively. The mean duration of T2DM was 49±52 months and 30.1±33.33 months, respectively. The mean serum uric acid level was 5.9±1.5 mg/dL and 5.5±1.25 mg/dL, respectively. The mean serum cholesterol was 205.7±75.9 mg/dL and 170.9±51.1 mg/dL, respectively. Conclusion: Knee OA is highly prevalent in patients with T2DM, highlighting the importance of investigating the presence of knee OA in each patient with T2DM. The association of knee OA with patient age and duration of T2DM indicates the need for early intervention, and the significant association with co-morbidities suggests the inclusive management of co-morbidities.