Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Diabetic Myopathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Prabal Singh; Raman Kumar Sharma; Dinesh Kumar; Arvinder Pal Singh; Prabhjot Kaur Gill

doi:10.55489/njmr.160420261363

Authors

Prabal Singh Department of Medicine, SGRDIMSR, Sri Guru Ram Das University of Health Sciences, Sri Amritsar, Punjab, India
Raman Kumar Sharma Department of Medicine, SGRDIMSR, Sri Guru Ram Das University of Health Sciences, Sri Amritsar, Punjab, India
Dinesh Kumar Department of Medicine, SGRDIMSR, Sri Guru Ram Das University of Health Sciences, Sri Amritsar, Punjab, India
Arvinder Pal Singh Department of Emergency Medicine, SGRDIMSR, Sri Guru Ram Das University of Health Sciences, Sri Amritsar, Punjab, India
Prabhjot Kaur Gill Centre for Advanced Research and Development, SGRDIMSR, Sri Guru Ram Das University of Health Sciences, Sri Amritsar, Punjab, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njmr.160420261363

Keywords:

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Myopathy, Electromyography, Sarcopenia, Proximal Myopathy, Metabolic Complications, Neurophysiology

Abstract

Background: Diabetic myopathy is an under-recognized complication of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) that significantly contributes to physical disability. The objective was to estimate the frequency and clinical characteristics of myopathy in T2DM patients using clinical evaluation and electromyography (EMG).

Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated 600 patients with T2DM (duration >5 years) at a tertiary care center. Comprehensive assessments included clinical history, anthropometric measurements, biochemical profiles, and EMG. Myopathy was diagnosed based on clinical features and confirmed through neurophysiological findings. Diabetic myopathy was diagnosed based on clinically demonstrable muscle weakness confirmed by EMG evidence of a myopathic pattern after exclusion of alternative neuromuscular disorders.

Results: Myopathy was identified in 85 patients, yielding a frequency of 14.2%. The condition peaked in the 61-70 age group (41.2%) and was more prevalent in males (57.6%). Key correlates included obesity (52.9%) and prolonged disease duration (>15 years). Muscle weakness was a universal finding (100%), with a marked predominance of proximal involvement (61.2%) over distal patterns. Notably, the condition was largely painless (94.1%) with an absence of muscle tenderness. Biochemical analysis revealed poor glycemic control (mean HbA1c 10.33%) and near-normal CK-NAC levels (mean 90.04 U/L), reflecting a non-inflammatory metabolic etiology.

Conclusion: Diabetic myopathy affects a significant proportion of patients with long-standing T2DM. It typically presents as a painless, proximal weakness driven by chronic metabolic derangement. Incorporating musculoskeletal screening into routine diabetic management is essential for early detection and the implementation of interventions to preserve motor function and independence.

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