Causal Relationship Between Diabetes and Frozen Shoulder

In recent years, mounting evidence has suggested that diabetes could play a significant role in the development of frozen shoulder. Numerous epidemiological studies have observed a notable increase in the incidence of frozen shoulder among individuals with diabetes compared to those without.

A new study published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research and Care explored the causal relationship between diabetes and frozen shoulder by analyzing target proteins in human plasma using a genetic technique called Mendelian randomization (MR).

The study confirmed a significant causal connection between diabetes and frozen shoulder, identifying key proteins such as parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHLH) and secreted frizzled-related protein 4 that correlate genetically with frozen shoulder.

Further analysis pinpointed additional plasma proteins that are active during diabetes-associated pathologies and could contribute to frozen shoulder. Notable among these are insulin receptor subunit alpha, interleukin-6 receptor subunit alpha, interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein, and glutathione peroxidase 7. The results suggest these proteins play critical roles in the onset and progression of frozen shoulder in diabetic patients.

The study highlights the complex biochemical interplay involved in the progression of these conditions and opens up new avenues for research and clinical practice.