The effect of an aldose reductase inhibiting agent on limited joint mobility in diabetic patients.

Improvement in range of motion and in strength of digital flexion and extension is reported in three diabetic subjects with the syndrome of limited joint mobility. Therapy was accomplished with sorbinil, an inhibitor of the enzyme aldose reductase, which inhibits the polyol pathway. We propose that reduction in collagen hydration secondary to reduced tissue content of polyols may participate in the clinical response.