Abstract
Background: Diabetes Mellitus Type I is characterized by insufficient production of insulin, which lowers blood glucose levels in the body. Diabetes mellitus Type II is characterized by the body's inability to use insulin correctly and is often a result of poor lifestyle choices. Studies have shown that the prevalence of both Type I and Type II is approximately 28% in the South African population. Studies have also demonstrated a high incidence of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus with a prevalence of 18% in the South African population.
Aim: The primary aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of lower back in patients diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus in the South African population as well as their level of daily physical activity and disability.
Method: This was a quantitative explorative cross-sectional study using a self-administered survey that was completed via Google Forms. The sample population for this study were patients belonging to various Centres for Diabetes Excellence (CDE) practices in South Africa and members of Diabetes education groups in South Africa.
Results: The prevalence of lower back pain in participants diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus (Type I and Type II) in the South African population was 64.6% and the prevalence of lower back pain in patients diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus Type I was 50.77%. The prevalence of lower back pain in patients diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus Type II was 71.65%. The analysis of the data in this study revealed that lower back pain in patients diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus Type II is statistically significantly higher than in individuals with Diabetes Mellitus Type I.
Conclusion: This study revealed a high prevalence of lower back pain in participants diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus Type I and Type II in the South African population. The study further revealed that the prevalence of lower back pain is statistically significantly higher in patients diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus Type II than in patients diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus Type I.