The association between diabetes mellitus and low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Study design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Background and objective: Both diabetes mellitus (DM) and low back pain (LBP) are leading global causes of disability, and emerging evidence suggests a link between them. Understanding the DM-LBP association is clinically important as it may facilitate more integrated treatment strategies; however, the exact nature of this relationship remains poorly evaluated. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the comorbid prevalence of LBP and DM and to evaluate their longitudinal relationship in adult populations.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and Google scholar from inception to October 2024. This review included English-language studies involving adults (≥ 18 years) with DM (type 1, type 2, or prediabetes) and LBP. Eligible study designs included cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, case-control, twin, and cross-sectional studies. Exclusion criteria applied to review articles, single case studies and conditions including gestational diabetes, fractures, malignancies, infections, and post-traumatic- or rheumatoid arthritis. Two independent reviewers performed study screening, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Random-effects meta-analysis and regressions were performed using R software. Primary outcomes centered on the prevalence and longitudinal incidence of LBP and DM across diverse global populations.
Results:…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,359,721 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Understanding the factors influencing fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) damage in African smallholder maize fields and quantifying its impact on yield. A case study in Eastern Zimbabwe
- Alarming situation of emerging H5 and H7 avian influenza and effective control strategies
- Livestock and food security: vulnerability to population growth and climate change
- Atmosphere–ocean oxygen and productivity dynamics during early animal radiations
- Characterization of the global distribution and diversified plasmid reservoirs of the colistin resistance gene mcr-9
- The global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pigs: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.