Hand functions in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Introduction/Objective Hand functions have an enormous impact on activities of daily living in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), such as self-care, administering insulin injections, and preparing and eating meals. The aim of the study was to evaluate hand functions and grip strength in patients with type 1 and type 2 DM. Methods This was an observational case-control study investigating the hand functions and grip strength in patients with type 1 and type 2 DM. The study comprised 41 patients with type 1 DM aged 25-50 years sex- and age-matched, 40 non-diabetic controls, and 91 patients with type 2 DM aged 40-65 years sex- and age-matched 60 non-diabetic controls. Patients with documented history of diabetic sensorimotor neuropathy and adhesive capsulitis were excluded. The Duruoz Hand Index was used to assess the functional hand disability. Grip strength was tested with a calibrated Jamar dynamometer. Results The Duruoz Hand Index scores in patients with type 2 DM were significantly higher than in persons in the control group (p < 0.01), but there was no significant difference between the type 1 DM and the control group (p > 0.05). Grip strength values of patients with type 1 DM were significantly lower compared to those in the control group (p < 0.05), whereas there was no significant difference between patients with type 2 DM and their control group. There was a negatively significant correlation between grip strength and the Duruoz Hand Index scores in patients with both type 1 and type 2 DM (p < 0.05). Conclusion Patients with type 1 DM and type 2 DM have different degrees of hand disability as compared to healthy control groups.