Background: Presently the aetiology of this common condition remains unclear. Previous research suggests that diabetes or epilepsy might increase the prevalence of the condition, but the evidence is inconsistent.

Methods: Our cases were all patients diagnosed with Dupuytren’s Disease, with two controls per case individually matched by age, sex, and general practice. Information on all diagnoses of diabetes and diabetic medication, and epilepsy and anti-epileptics was extracted. All analysis was adjusted for consulting behaviour to reduce ascertainment bias.

Results: There were 821 cases (1,642 controls), 588 (72%) of which were males. Mean age at diagnosis was 62 years. Prevalence = 0.2%. Diabetes was significantly associated with Dupuytren’s (OR 1.82). Insulin use was strongly associated with Dupuytren’s (OR = 4.33), as was metformin (OR = 3.67); the association was also present for sulphonlyureas (OR = 1.89). There was no association with epilepsy and Dupuytren’s (OR = 1.05). None of the treatments for epilepsy were associated with Dupuytren’s disease.

Conclusion:Diabetes is a significant risk factor for Dupuytren’s Disease. There is an increased risk for treated diabetes rather than diet controlled diabetes. Epilepsy and anti-epileptic medication are not associated with Dupuytren’s Disease. Ascertainment bias may explain the association observed in previous studies.