Association between Elevated HbA1c Levels and Risk of Trigger Finger in Diabetic Patients

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that not only causes vascular complications but is also associated with musculoskeletal manifestations such as trigger finger, which are often underrecognized. The purpose of the study was to assess the association between elevated HbA1c levels and the risk of developing trigger finger among diabetic patients. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess the association between elevated HbA1c levels and the risk of developing trigger finger among diabetic patients. Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional study at the Medicine Outpatient Department of BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh (Nov 2018–Apr 2019) included 354 type 2 diabetic patients with hand complaints, and demographic and clinical data were collected to assess associations with trigger finger using SPSS and chi-square tests (P < 0.05). Results: Among 354 diabetic patients, trigger finger affected 177 (50%). Age and sex were similar between groups, while diabetes duration >5 years was higher in trigger finger patients (114, 64.4% vs 91, 51.4%; P = 0.018). Hypertension was present in 122 (68.9%) trigger finger patients. HbA1c >6.5% was seen in 122 (68.9%) with trigger finger and 119 (67.2%) without (P = 0.733), showing no significant association. Conclusion: Trigger finger is the most common hand complication in diabetic patients, associated with longer diabetes duration but not with elevated HbA1c levels.