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Hand function in patients with diabetes mellitus
J E Casanova1, J S Casanova, M J Young
1Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
Southern Medical Journal
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Diabetic patients showed significantly reduced hand function, impacting daily activities. This decline was greater than they perceived, highlighting a need for better assessment and support.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Occupational Therapy
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition affecting multiple organ systems.
- Hand dysfunction is a potential complication of diabetes, impacting quality of life.
- Objective measurement of hand function in diabetic patients is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess hand function in diabetic patients using validated clinical tests.
- To compare objective hand function measures with patients' subjective self-assessments.
- To explore the implications of hand dysfunction on occupational performance and daily living.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three standardized hand function tests: Purdue Pegboard, O'Connor Tweezer Dexterity, and Smith Hand Function.
- Recruited 15 diabetic patients (median age 48) with a minimum of 5 years of insulin use.
- Administered a symptom questionnaire alongside objective functional testing.
Main Results:
- Diabetic patients exhibited significantly impaired hand function across all tested domains.
- The objective decrease in hand function was disproportionately larger than patients' self-reported limitations.
- Hand function deficits were observed despite long-term insulin therapy.
Conclusions:
- Diabetes significantly compromises hand function, often unrecognized by patients.
- Objective hand function assessment is vital for diabetic patient care.
- Impaired hand function has substantial consequences for occupational performance and activities of daily living.