Systemic sclerosis & Raynaud's
Type II diabetes in systemic sclerosis patients: insights from an observational, multicenter study of GIRRCS (Gruppo Italiano di Ricerca in Reumatologia Clinica e Sperimentale)
Authors' conclusion
Although the prevalence of T2D in SSc patients is lower than the global estimates reported by the International Federation of Diabetes (IFD), a distinct subgroup of SSc patients with T2D is characterized by unique disease manifestations and complications, including SRC and impaired lung function.
Study context
- Population
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients from 11 tertiary Rheumatology Units across Italy
- Participants
- 613 patients11 centres
- Exposure
- SSc patients with T2D vs without T2D
- Outcome
- Prevalence of T2D and SSc-specific factors associated with T2D
Methodological detailsobservational, multicentre
- Observational
- Multicentre
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Prevalence of T2D
Prevalence of T2D in the cohort
7.6%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Features of SSc with T2D vs non-T2D (univariate)
- Older age in T2D
- P < 0.007
- Higher prevalence of late-stage capillaroscopic pattern
- P < 0.001
- Severe FVC reduction (FVC < 50%)
- P < 0.000
- Moderate TLC reduction (TLC 50-69%)
- P < 0.011
- ECG signs of right ventricular hypertrophy
- P < 0.018
- Higher prevalence of PAH confirmed by right heart catheterization (RHC)
- P < 0.037
- Higher prevalence of scleroderma renal crisis (SRC)
- P < 0.001
- Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- P < 0.022
- More frequent angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) use
- P < 0.005
- ANA positivity
- Use of immunosuppressive therapies similar between groups
Original publication
Type II diabetes in systemic sclerosis patients: insights from an observational, multicenter study of GIRRCS (Gruppo Italiano di Ricerca in Reumatologia Clinica e Sperimentale). Arthritis Res Ther. Published 28 July 2025. doi:10.
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