Measurement of Handgrip Strength Between Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients Attending in a Tertiary Level Hospital – A Comparative Study

Author(s): Shahana Nazmin, Md Manirul Islam, Shohag Chakrabarty

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that adversely affects multiple organ systems, including muscle function. Handgrip strength (HGS) is a reliable indicator of overall muscle strength and is often reduced in diabetic individuals. This study aimed to compare HGS between diabetic and non-diabetic patients and analyze the impact of age, BMI, and gender on HGS.

Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, from April 2020 to March 2021. A total of 160 participants were included, with 80 diabetic and 80 non-diabetic individuals aged 36-65 years. Handgrip strength was measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer, and data on age, BMI, and diabetes duration were collected. Statistical analyses were performed to compare HGS between groups and assess correlations with age, BMI, and diabetes duration.

Results: Diabetic participants had significantly lower right handgrip strength (21.38 kg, SD ± 4.23) compared to non-diabetic participants (30.53 kg, SD ± 8.73) (p < 0.001). Left handgrip strength was also lower in diabetics (20.52 kg, SD ± 4.27) compared to non-diabetics (29.32 kg, SD ± 8.59) (p < 0.001). The average HGS was 20.95 kg (SD ± 4.25) in diabetics and 29.92 kg (SD ± 8.65) in non-diabetics (p < 0.001). Male participants exhibited higher HGS than females in both diabetic and nondiabetic groups. A significant negative correlation was observed between diabetes duration and average HGS in both male (r = -0.709, p < 0.001) and female (r = -0.672, p < 0.001) diabetic participants. Age and BMI were negatively correlated with HGS in both groups, though not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Diabetes significantly reduces handgrip strength, with a more pronounced effect observed in males. Regular assessment of HGS is crucial for early detection of muscle weakness in diabetic patients, enabling timely interventions to improve muscle function and overall quality of life. Further research is needed to develop targeted strategies to enhance muscle strength in the diabetic population.