Post Updated: 19th April 2023

Diabetic myopathy is a condition that affects people with diabetes, specifically those with type 2 diabetes. It is characterized by muscle weakness, wasting, and pain. This condition can affect any muscle group in the body, but it is most commonly seen in the hips, legs, and feet. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for diabetic myopathy.

Causes of Diabetic Myopathy

The exact cause of diabetic myopathy is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be a result of long-term high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels that supply the muscles with oxygen and nutrients. This damage can lead to muscle weakness, wasting, and pain.

In addition to high blood sugar levels, other factors can contribute to diabetic myopathy. These include:

1. Poor blood circulation: High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels that supply the muscles with oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to poor circulation, which can contribute to muscle weakness and wasting.
2. Neuropathy: Diabetes can cause nerve damage, which can lead to muscle weakness and wasting. This is known as diabetic neuropathy.
3. Inactivity: People with diabetes may be less active due to pain or other symptoms, which can contribute to muscle weakness and wasting.

Symptoms of Diabetic Myopathy

The symptoms of diabetic myopathy can vary from person to person. However, some common symptoms include:

Dysarthria:

This is a motor speech disorder that is primarily characterized by difficulty expressing and forming words. It is mainly a result of pathology or injury of the nervous system due to diabetes myopathy. The muscles of the respiratory system, face, and mouth move very slowly or do not move at all.

However, severity depends on the areas of the muscular and nervous systems that have been affected. Symptoms include; a slow or rapid rate of speech with a mumbling quality, limited lip, jaw, and tongue movement, changes in vocal quality, abnormal intonation, drooling, and chewing or swallowing difficulty.

Muscle weakness:

This is the most common symptom of diabetic myopathy. Muscle weakness occurs at any age and it can either affect the entire portion or just a portion of the body. Diabetic myopathy affects the nervous system resulting in muscle weakness. It occurs in conjunction with symptoms such as paresthesia, pain, or fever-like symptoms. Complications of muscle weakness vary depending on the stage of diabetic myopathy and they include contractures and muscle atrophy.

Muscle wasting:

Diabetic myopathy can lead to muscle wasting, also known as muscle atrophy. Muscle atrophy is the gradual loss of muscle tissue, which can result in decreased muscle strength and mobility.

Muscle pain:

Diabetic myopathy might also cause pain and aches in the muscles. This may be due to muscle cramps, muscle strains, injury, fatigue, circulatory disorders, and stress. The changes in muscle can be detected with biochemical or molecular techniques or with functional testing mainly because this condition is primarily associated with loss of strength and muscle mass.

Ataxia:

As diabetes progresses, sufferers may also experience failure of voluntary muscle coordination. It implies dysfunction of some parts of the nervous system that usually coordinate movement. Ataxia can cause a person to have difficulty with balance, walking, and other movements that require precise coordination of muscle activity.

Foot drop:

Foot drop is a condition where a person is unable to lift the front part of their foot, which can cause difficulty in walking and increase the risk of falling. Foot drop due to diabetic myopathy is a condition caused by nerve damage that affects the muscles responsible for lifting the front part of the foot.

Treatment options for diabetic myopathy

There are several treatment options available for diabetic myopathy. The most effective treatment will depend on the severity of the condition and the individual’s overall health.

1. Blood sugar control: The most important treatment for diabetic myopathy is to control blood sugar levels. This can be done through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, and medications such as insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents.
2. Exercise: Exercise can help improve muscle strength and flexibility. People with diabetic myopathy should engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or resistance training.
3. Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination. It may also include stretches and massages to help alleviate muscle pain.
4. Pain management: Pain medication may be prescribed to help manage muscle pain and cramping.
5. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged muscles.

How can you help prevent diabetic leg pain?

Prevention of diabetic myopathy involves maintaining good blood sugar control and keeping active with regular physical activity. People with diabetes should aim to keep their blood sugar levels within a healthy range, as this can help prevent muscle damage and other complications.

Good blood sugar levels for the average person with diabetes should be between 60.8 mg/dl and 120.4 mg/dl ( 3.4 to 6.7mmol/L) depending on the time of day and amount eaten at the last meal.

They should also engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or resistance training. This can help improve muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination.

In addition to these lifestyle changes, people with diabetes should have regular check-ups with their healthcare provider. This can help detect and treat any complications early on, including diabetic myopathy.