Several rheumatologic manifestations are more pronounced in subjects with diabetes, ie, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tears, Dupuytren’s contracture, trigger finger, cheiroarthropathy in the upper limb, and Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis in the lower limb. Limited ROM is often significantly affecting ADL, leading to further complications like diabetic foot ulcers and is very difficult to manage or reduce once established.

The most extensive accumulation of AGEs occurs in tissues with low turnover, such as cartilage, bone, and tendon.

This review provides a short description of diabetes-related joint diseases, the specific pathogenetic mechanisms involved, and the role of inflammation, overuse, and genetics, each of which activates a complex sequence of biochemical alterations.