Hand function in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Impaired hand function has a negative impact on occupational performance and activities of daily living among people with diabetes. Inadequate literature focused on hand function of patients with diabetes in Indian population limits early identification and prevention of hand dysfunction. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to report hand function among people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Hand function of 211 people with diabetes (111 males and 100 females) was evaluated on the dominant side using standardized clinical tests—Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT), nine hole peg test, pinch and grip strength using pinch meter, and Jamar hand-held dynamometer. Hand function scores were compared between males and females using unpaired t test. The mean score of MMDT and nine hole pegboard test was 401.9 and 35.3 s respectively. The mean hand grip strength was 16.70 kg and key pinch strength was 3.7 kg; center pinch was 2.8 kg and palmar pinch was 2.5 kg in patients with diabetes. All test scores of hand function were lower compared to normative values reported in literature recorded with the same standard measurements. Hand function test scores did not vary between males and females (p > 0.05). Low hand function score of patients with diabetes warrants an urgent need for implementing an exercise program to improve hand function among people with diabetes. Additionally, reported scores of hand grip strength, pinch strength, and hand dexterity will guide hand therapy for people with diabetes following injury.