Abstract

Background: Unlike the many systems which are targets for diabetic complications such as the cardiovascular system, eyes, kidney, and nervous system even the musculoskeletal system is a silent target organ for diabetic complications although less valued than the others.

Aims and Objectives: To study of handgrip strength (HGS) and handgrip endurance (HGE) in Type 2 diabetics.

Materials and Methods: A total of 64 Type 2 right-handed male diabetic subjects in the age group of 41–55 years, having a duration of diabetes between 5 and 10 years were compared with 64 healthy controls. The subjects were divided into three groups as Group I: 41–45 years, II: 45–50 years, and III: 51–55 years.

Results: The mean values for fasting blood sugar, post-meal blood sugar, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) % were significantly higher in all the three groups of diabetics than the controls. HGS was significantly decreased in all groups of diabetics while HGE was also significantly decreased in Group I and III of diabetics as compared to controls. Group I (−0.19) and Group III (−0.27) showed very weak negative correlation between HbA1c % and HGS while Group II (0.04) showed almost none. Furthermore, very weak negative correlation between HbA1c % and HGE was found for Group II (−0.16) and III (−0.16) while it was very weakly positive for Group I (0.084).

Conclusion: This study clearly suggests that all patients with diabetes should be screened for musculoskeletal manifestations regularly as early rehabilitative methods may reduce the disease burden in this population.

Key words: Type 2 Diabetes; Handgrip Strength; Handgrip Endurance