Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that affect different systems in human. Wide range of musculoskeletal syndromes have been described in association with diabetes. To determine the prevalence of upper limb soft tissue rheumatism in diabetes patients.

           In a cross sectional study 300 diabetic patients was examined by COPCORD questionnaire. The examination was performed by internist and  rheumatologist . Data was analyzed by logistic regression.

          73.3% of patients were female. Average age of cases was 51.2±13.7 years and mean of duration of disease was 7±6.4 years. 152 cases (50.7%) had soft tissue rheumatism in upper limbs. 66 cases had carpal tannel syndrome, 23 caseswith Dupuytren’s disease, 23 cases with Flexortenosynovitis,
   91 cases with shoulder periarthritis, 4 cases had limited joint mobility and 12 had Elbow Epicandititis. Logestic regression analysis showed that type 2 diabetes, weak control of blood sugur and duration of disease>5years were risk factors for incidence of soft tissue rheumatism in upper limbs.

          Results have showed the high prevalence of soft tissue rheumatism in diabetic patients.