Hand disorders, hand function, and activities of daily living in elderly men with type 2 diabetes

This study aimed to examine hand disorders, symptoms, overall hand function, activities of daily living (ADLs), and life satisfaction in elderly men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and normal glucose tolerance (NGT).

Subjects were interviewed and evaluated with a battery of clinical and laboratory tests, including hand assessment, and a questionnaire.

HbA1c differed between groups (highest in DM, especially in long-term DM). Limited joint motion (LJM), for example, prayer sign and Dupuytren's contracture, was most common in individuals with DM, followed by individuals with IGT, as compared to those with NGT. Vibrotactile sense was impaired symmetrically in the index and little fingers in DM. However, there were no differences for sensibility, dexterity, grip strength, and cold intolerance between groups. Individuals with long-term (>15 years) DM were more affected regarding sensibility and ADL than individuals with short-term DM, who had more sleep disturbances. ADL difficulties were less among IGT subjects. Vibrotactile sense showed correlations with Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and static two-point discrimination.

Dupuytren's contracture and impaired vibrotactile sense in finger pulps occurred in patients with DM but not in those with IGT, although LJM occurred in both IGT and DM patients. A longer duration of DM was associated with more severe neuropathy and ADL difficulties. Life satisfaction was high, and hand disorders did not have a significant impact on ADL.