Diabetes Linked to Higher Risk of Infection and Blood Clots After Knee Replacement Surgery, Indian Study Finds

New Delhi, July 11, 2025 — People living with diabetes face significantly higher risks of complications following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), according to a new study led by researchers from Vardhman Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. The research, which also involved experts from Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals and Fortis C-Doc Hospital, highlights the need for careful management of diabetic patients undergoing knee replacement procedures.

Key findings from the study include:

• Diabetes increases the risk of joint infection after TKA by 43%.

• Diabetics are 45% more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—a condition that can lead to potentially fatal pulmonary embolism—following surgery.

• Patients with insulin-treated diabetes face a 60% higher rate of perioperative adverse events compared to non-diabetics.

• Hospital readmission rates are 28% higher among diabetic patients after knee replacement.

The researchers noted that more than half of people with diabetes also suffer from arthropathy, a joint disease that often necessitates hip or knee replacement in the future. The study, published in the Journal of Orthopaedics, emphasizes that poor blood sugar control around the time of surgery can further worsen outcomes.

“The presence of diabetes significantly impacts post-TKA outcomes, leading to higher complication rates and negatively affecting physical function and quality of life,” the authors stated.

The study calls for further research to establish standardized definitions for glycemic control and to better understand the mechanisms behind these increased risks, with the goal of improving preoperative risk assessment and management strategies for diabetic patients.

Disclaimer:
This article is based on findings from a recent study and is intended for informational purposes only. The results may not apply to every individual, and other studies have reported differing outcomes regarding diabetes and surgical risks. Patients should consult their healthcare providers for advice tailored to their specific medical conditions.