Hi, active T1D x58 years. I’ve had bilateral biceps tears, gastoc strain and tear, calf tears, hamstring strain, in addition to frozen shoulders, meniscus tears, carpal tunnels, trigger fingers. Unfortunately, I seem to be keeping my orthopedist busy. Endo doesn’t have any data on T1D and muscle issues. Anyone else out there with a similar history? Recommendations?
Thanks
Jim
Hi. Not-so-active T1D x62 years. I’ve only had one muscle issue: a couple of years ago. I was working out at the gym and decided to increase the weight on my leg presses. I went up by 10lbs but continued the same number of sets and reps as before, rather than easing in. Afterwards I went to work and all was fine until I went out to my car to get something: I was walking back to the office when I felt a pain that seized me up - and I have a high pain tolerance! I was moaning and groaning with every step. Got back inside and hoped I could finish the day since I was usually sitting, but had to leave early. Saw my PCP the next day and was told I had pulled the muscle. Rested for several days then got PT.
Hello @munroj welcome to Breakthrough T1D. I’ve had T1 for 40+ years and I just turned 60. Yea I got the frozen shoulders too. I weight train every other day and haven’t noticed anything other than it does take 2+ days to recover these days so I rotate exercises if I over train a muscle group I’m in pain (regular soreness) and if I really overwork I’ll get cramps. I do have to watch hydration and diet. Nothing like tears and injuries for me so far. I do rotate in a lot of cardio. Have you had a chat with an orthopedic specialist?
Frozen shoulders - I forgot about those. Both froze: the first time I was at work and suddenly realized I could hardly move my arm at the shoulder so I could barely move my computer mouse. The doctor said it could be from diabetes, repetitive motion (it’s common in tennis players), or from reaching the wrong way. I’m right handed so while I didn’t play tennis the other options were possibilities.
No telling why it happened with my left shoulder a few years later🤔.
I had arthroscopic surgery followed by PT for both.
@munroj Hi Jim, and welcome to the Breakthrough T1D Community Forum!
In my mid 80s and diabetes for 69 years. Been physically active for most of my life and thankfully I haven’t had muscle strain, except temporary for what would be expected on days of very heave labor [carrying 90 lb. bundles of roof shingles up a 32 ft ladder], not have I had any tears; our granddaughter in her late 20s and no diabetes has far more muscle strain as a professional dancer - both Irish Dance and ballet.
I have had left-hand Dupuytren’s Contracture which required significant surgery to get the thing working again, and lock-finger / trigger-finger right hand. For these conditions, there appears to be a two to three times more likelihood chance among people with diabetes - heavily weighted in favor of Type Two diabetes. It is thought that this link is related to local neurovascular and biochemical changes associated with diabetes. I can envision that these two issues may also be a factor for your issue.
I don’t have personal experience (yet?) but I’ve heard of it from Diabetes Joint Problems: Trigger Finger & Frozen Shoulder