Friend with Diabetes-ligament in shoulders torn now knee cap broken

My best friend has had diabetes for over 20 years, insulin dependent.

Last year, her tendons and ligaments in BOTH shoulders  (rotator cuff causing frozen shoulders for both shoulders) mysteriously tore. Doctor said he did not know why but I did. I said it was from her diabetes but for some reason, doctors remain ignorant to this.

Now, her knee cap has split due to fluid in her leg (after the emergency department took an xray, saw nothing wrong and told her she was dysfunctional and to go home (horrible treatment for someone in such pain and so sick). AFter an MRI, it showed a broken knee cap.

Has anyone with diabetes experienced such a terrible situation such as this? She did not hit her knee, and did nothing to her knee.  She has been disabled for a few years due to diabetes including kidney problems now with the protein issue, along with vision problems and severe weakness.

Sorry so this is negative but I just need some information on any links you can provide showing me that there is a link to such nerve and bone damage.

Thank you for your time.

Robin O.

Post Edited (Robin O) : 3/16/2007 12:12:30 PM (GMT-6)

Thank you very much.  I did do some research and found people with diabetes dealing with  torn ligaments on several websites.  There is a link but more funding needs to become available to study it.  What I never heard of, and this was the diagnosis her doctor told her,  that her knee cap split due to the fluid in her leg.  It became so inflamed from the pressure it created a crack in her knee.  Hmmmm. I have my own health issues so I never know what to believe. What we do know is the knee has cracked and she did not do anything for this to happen so they had to assume it was from all the fluid.

http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/16162241.php This website explains why diabetics seem to end up with torn ligaments.  And, there is alot more out there with the link between diabetes and ligaments, especially if you have been insulin dependent for a long time. I consider you very fortunate if you have not had any major health issues such as these.  She has suffered so much in the last couple of years from diabetes. Its like everything is shutting down now.

Thanks again for the response. I really appreciate it.

Robin O.