Grip Strength May Be Early Indicator of Diabetes Risk

Early detection and treatment of diabetes may decrease the risk of developing some of the complications associatied with diabetes, including neuropathy, high blood pressure, skin infections, and vision problems. A recent study has identified grip strength metrics which may be useful as a screening tool for diabetes risk in otherwise healthy people.

For their study, the researchers used data from 5,108 participants who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The average age of participants was 50 and they had no common diabetes comorbidities. Hand and forearm strength were evaluated using a handgrip dynamometer. Diabetes risk was determined using American Diabetes Association diagnostic criteria.

The researchers determined that grip strength significantly predicted diabetes risk, and they identified the values that indicated diabetes risk. Specifically they were 0.78 for young male participants, 0.57 for young female participants, 0.68 for older male participants, and 0.49 for older female participants. These values were determined after controlling for sociodemographics and waist circumference.

The study was conducted by researchers from Oakland University. It was published online ahead of print on April 6, 2020 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.