The impact of diabetes on chronic pain in different body regions among adults aged 50 and older: a cross-sectional analysis

Objective This study investigates the association between diabetes and chronic pain across various body regions in individuals aged 50 years and older, while assessing the influence of gender, hypertension status, age, and glycemic control on this relationship. Methods Data from the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) database included 10,315 participants, with 1,983 diabetic and 8,332 non-diabetic individuals. Logistic regression models assessed the relationship between diabetes and chronic pain, adjusting for confounders. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on gender, age, and hypertension status, and the risk of pain in diabetic patients with well-controlled glycemia was compared to that in non-diabetic individuals. Results Diabetes significantly increased the risk of pain in multiple body regions (p < 0.05). Diabetes was associated with a higher risk of headaches in males [OR = 1.33 (1.05-1. 69), p = 0.02] and individuals aged 65 or older [OR = 1.28 (1.04-1.58), p = 0.02]. Among non-hypertensive individuals, diabetes was not associated with an increased risk of pain. In females, hypertensives, and individuals under 65, diabetes significantly increased pain across multiple regions (p < 0.05). Diabetic individuals with well-controlled glycemia still showed a higher risk of finger [OR = 1.34 (1.03-1.76), p = 0.03] and toe pain [OR = 1.44 (1.05-1.99), p = 0.03] compared to non-diabetics. Conclusion Diabetes is linked to increased pain in multiple body regions, especially in females, hypertensives, and those under 65. Even with good glycemic control, diabetic individuals remain at higher risk for finger and toe pain.