Determination of hand grip strength of diagnosed with type 2 diabetes patients in Ulaanbaatar city

Abstract

Background: Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus and associated comorbidities tend to increase in Mongolia. Although muscle strength generally deteriorates with age, diabetes related metabolic disturbance and obesity are considered one possible cause of muscle weakness. Aim: To measure 45-items questionnaire was used for evaluation of handgrip strength of patients with type 2 diabetes in family medical centers of distal districts. Materials and Methods: A total of 347 male and female participants over the age of 40 who were diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus under the control of family health centers of Chingeltei, Sukhbaatar, Bayangol, Bayanzurkh, Sukhbaatar, and Khan-Uul districts of Ulaanbaatar city were studied. Results: Mean ages were 59.87±8.93 year. Female and male patients 59.9% (n=208) 40.1% (n=139) respectively. Comorbidities were diagnosed about 50% of patients and consisted of arterial hypertension 81.3%, eye disorders 42.1%, kidney diseases 28.2% and joint disorders 26.8% respectively. Mean handgrip strength of left and right hands of male participants were 36.27±21.76 kg and 33.50±21.41 kg respectively. Mean handgrip strength of left and right hands of female participants were 23.28±14.31kg and 22.14±15.10 kg respectively. According to the age most high measurement is determined in left and right hand of 40-49 age group in male 32.23±9.33 kg and female 20.66±5.6 kg. Left and right hands strength difference were determined in all age groups. Handgrip strength decrease generally depends on age increase. According to the evaluation of diabetic variables and handgrip strength comparison analysis male handgrip strength and age group showed statistically significant correlation. Female handgrip strength and pregnancy diabetes are significantly correlated. Also type 2 diabetes duration, leg ulcer and arthritis and handgrip strength were significantly associated. Conclusion: Handgrip strength is lower in female patients than male patients. Handgrip strength test is appropriate test for evaluation of skeletal muscle weakness in patients with type 2 diabetes. Handgrip strength weakness is associated with some risk factors such as arterial hypertension, reduced physical activity and poor life style habits.