Understanding diabetic cheiroarthropathy: a focus on clinical presentation.

ABSTRACT

Diabetic cheiroarthropathy (DCA) is a relatively uncommon and underdiagnosed complication of poorly controlled diabetes. It is caused by non-enzymatic glycation of collagen that ultimately leads to microvascular damage and polyarticular stiffness. If diagnosed early, optimal management of serum glucose levels may lessen joint stiffness and prevent microvascular and macrovascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus. We review the case of a 55-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus who was diagnosed with DCA after complaints of chronic joint stiffness and immobility.