Diabetes may do more than just affect blood sugar levels — it can also increase the chances of joint damage and lead to serious complications after knee replacement surgery, according to a new study led by Indian researchers.
The research, conducted by teams from Vardhman Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, found that people with diabetes are at significantly higher risk of developing joint infections and blood clots following total knee arthroplasty, a common surgery for advanced knee arthritis.
The study noted that more than half of diabetic patients suffer from joint-related conditions and may eventually require hip or knee replacement surgery. However, diabetes was shown to be a major risk factor for periprosthetic joint infection, one of the most concerning complications after knee replacement.
It also raised the risk of deep vein thrombosis, a serious condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs. In severe cases, these clots can travel to the lungs and cause pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening.
According to the study, diabetic patients who undergo knee replacement face a 43 percent higher chance of joint infections and a 45 percent higher risk of blood clots compared to non-diabetics.
The analysis also revealed a 28 percent increase in hospital readmissions among diabetic patients. Those treated with insulin were particularly vulnerable, with a 60 percent greater likelihood of experiencing complications around the time of surgery.
The researchers from Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals and Fortis C-Doc Hospital, who also contributed to the study, said the outcomes for diabetic patients after surgery are often worse, especially if blood sugar is not well controlled. Their findings were published in the Journal of Orthopaedics and were based on systematic reviews and meta-analyses of existing studies.
The team has called for more detailed research to better define what good blood sugar control means in surgical settings and to understand the biological reasons behind the higher risks. This, they said, would help in preparing diabetic patients better before undergoing knee replacement surgery and improving their recovery outcomes.
