Black and White Diabetic Patients
Limited joint mobility is common in diabetes and is related to high foot pressures and foot ulceration. We have examined the differences in joint mobility and foot pressures in four groups matched for age, sex, and duration of diabetes: 31 white diabetic, 33 white non‐diabetic, 24 black diabetic, and 22 non‐diabetic black subjects. Joint mobility was assessed using a goniometer at the fifth metacarpal, first metatarsal, and subtalar joints. In‐shoe and without shoes foot pressures were measured using an F‐Scan system. Neuropathy was evaluated using clinical symptoms (Neuropathy Symptom Score), signs (Neuropathy Disability Score), and Vibration Perception Threshold. There was no difference between white and black diabetic patients in Neuropathy Symptom Score, Neuropathy Disability Score, and Vibration Perception Threshold. Subtalar joint mobility was significantly reduced in white diabetic patients (22 ± 7°) compared to white controls (26 ± 4°, black diabetic patients (25 ± 5°), and black controls (29 ± 7°), and increased in black controls compared to white controls and black diabetic patients … read more