Year: 2024 | Month: November | Volume: 14 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 329-333
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20241138
Functional Impairments of Hands in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus – A Narrative Review
Anila Paul1, Aneena Alex1, Dr. Kumari Indira K S2, Arun Thachil3
1,3Medical Trust Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Physiotherapy, Kochi, Kerala, India,
2Sree Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Ernakulam, Kerala, India
Corresponding Author: Anila Paul
ABSTRACT
Background: The prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is increasing across the world, being more prevalent in low and middle socio – economic countries like India. Literature on diabetic hand complications and functional impairments are scarce.
Need of the study: Hand dysfunction may affect Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and can affect self-care activities. This narrative review explored hand functional impairments among diabetic population.
Method: Thorough literature search was conducted on Pubmed, Google Scholar and Cochrane reviews. Full text articles were included for review. Search was restricted to English language. Studies conducted after 2005 were included. The key words used were diabetes mellitus, hand dysfunction, hand function, hand dexterity and hand strength.
Results: Two hundred and one articles were found related to the search and eleven were included for this review based on inclusion criteria. Cross sectional and observational case control studies were reviewed. Significant decline in hand grip and pinch strength, gross and fine hand dexterity, joint mobility and hand functional outcomes were reported in the reviewed articles.
Discussion: The decline in hand muscle strength, dexterity, mobility and functional outcomes could be the result of structural changes in connective tissues, proliferation of collagen in the skin, subcutaneous tissues, tendons, muscles and peri-articular tissues.
Conclusion: Screening of hands among persons with diabetes is highly recommended. Implementation of therapeutic exercises may prevent the functional impairments in diabetic hand,
Key words: Diabetic hand, hand function, hand grip strength, hand dexterity, hand screening