Handgrip Strength in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Handgrip strength can be used to determine an individual's muscular strength objectively. It is a valid indicator of the disability index. Type 2 diabetes mellitus has a negative impact on skeletal muscles and handgrip strength. The goal of this study was to compare type 2 diabetic patients' handgrip strength to that of apparently healthy non-diabetic individuals. Materials and Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sylhet M.A.G Osmani Medical College in collaboration with Outpatient Department of Endocrinology, Sylhet M.A.G Osmani Medical College Hospital and Outpatient Department of Sylhet Diabetic Hospital during the period from January 2017 to December 2017. A total of 100 type 2 diabetic patients who had been diagnosed for at least 5 years were selected, as well as 100 age and sex matched apparently healthy non-diabetic controls. The Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer was used to measure the handgrip strength of all subjects. All the collected data were compiled and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 22.0. Results: The mean handgrip strength of the diabetics (60.62 ± 18.98 lb) was significantly lower than non-diabetics (74.80 ± 21.61 lb) (p<0.001). A significant negative correlation was found between handgrip strength and duration of diabetes (r=–0.270, p=0.007). Conclusion: Handgrip strength is lowered in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to the non-diabetic group and correlates negatively with diabetes duration. Reduced handgrip strength may lead to the development of impairment in the future, resulting in decreased productivity.