Diabetes Mellitus: A Risk Factor for the Development of Lumbar Disc Herniation

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between diabetes and lumbar disc herniation and also the potential of long- term complications that may develop in these patients.

Study Design: A retrospective observational study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Al-Kindi Teaching Hospital Baghdad, Iraq from 1st November 2024 to 30th April 2025.

Methods: A total 150 patients with lumber disc patients who also had diabetes were enrolled.

Results: Statistically significant relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and the presence of multilevel disc herniation, as well as increased rates of neurological complications such as foot drops and saddle numbness. Patients with poorly controlled diabetes and receiving insulin therapy were particularly prone to multilevel spinal injury and higher rates of surgical intervention. Most lumbar disc herniation cases occurred in weight-bearing lumbar areas, especially L3-L5, and were associated with higher pain scores and increased dependence on daily life in diabetics.

Conclusion: The Iraqi patients with lumbar disc herniation had high levels of glucose in their blood, and this is a clear indication of the impact of glucose on LDH, especially type 2 diabetes, where they were found to be the most affected or exposed to multilevel disc disease with more severe neurological consequences such as foot drop and saddle numbness.