Prospective study of hand grip strength in patients with type 2 diabetes

Background:

Diabetes has been a major global health concern since past few decades. According to TheInternational Diabetes Federation (IDF), “global prevalence of diabetes is around 9.3 %( 2019)and will rise to 10.95 by 2045 (1). There are estimated 72.96 million cases of diabetes in adultpopulation of India. (2) Asians are more prone to have diabetes and associated metabolicdisorders as compared to Caucasians.Nowadays, it is seen that diabetes is not limited to patients with obesity; in fact, it is increasinglypenetrating into the population having low to normal BMI. Research studies show that resistancetraining is an effective and important lifestyle modification that helps to improve overallmetabolic function and reduce metabolic risk factors in diabetic patients. (3) The fat-to-muscleratio is independently and positively associated with metabolic disorders in T2DM. Fat-tomuscle ratio may serve as an optimal method for screening T2DM patients coupled with a highrisk of abnormal metabolism, especially in females. (4).Study shows that grip strength was negatively correlated with blood hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)levels. It is seen that the diabetic patients have a lower grip strength as compared to non-diabeticpatients of the same age group. (5)Now, in this study we will study the development of hand grip strength in type 2 diabetic patientswho engage in regular physical activity.

Methodology:

We shall compare the difference between hand grip strength at every follow up (3 to 6 months)for patients with diabetes.1. The following anthropometric measurements will be recorded: height, weight, waistcircumference, hip circumference, and body mass index.2. We will measure the hand grip strength for all the patients. Measurement of maximal gripstrength will be performed using Jamar dynamometers, which estimate the musclestrength primarily generated by the flexor muscles of the hand and the forearm. TheJamar displays grip force in both pounds and kilograms, with a maximum of 200 lb(90 kg). It has a peak-hold needle that automatically retains the highest reading untilreset. The Jamar test is isometric, with no perceptible motion of the handle, regardless ofthe grip strength applied. The participants will be encouraged to produce their maximalgrip strength. Three trials will be recorded, consisting of a 2-4-second maximalcontraction, with a 30-second rest period between each trial. The average of the threereadings will be taken for both the patient groups.3. All the subjects will be given a resistance exercise protocol and compliance will bechecked at every follow up.