Affiliation:
1. Department of Community Medicine, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India
Abstract
Objectives:
The objective of this study is to assess the handgrip strength (HGS) in patients with type 2 diabetes, compare it with nondiabetes age-matched individuals, and assess the correlation between diabetic status and HGS among diabetic patients.
Materials and Methods:
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in rural Mysore, India, for 4 months. Fifty-eight clinically diagnosed type 2 diabetics and 58 nondiabetics participated in the study. The handheld dynamometer was used to test the HGS of all subjects in their dominant hand. Independent t-test was used to analyze the differences in HGS between patients with and without diabetes.
Results:
The mean dynamometer reading among diabetics was 19.08 ± 7.51, whereas that in nondiabetics was 27.474 ± 13.11. There was a significant difference in HGSs between diabetics and nondiabetics (P < 0.01).
Conclusion:
Decreased muscle strength and quality in the upper extremities are associated with type 2 diabetes and can lead to functional and physical limitations. Diabetic patients’ HGS should be evaluated promptly to identify any disabilities and plan for appropriate therapy.