Association between deterioration in muscle strength and peripheral neuropathy in people with diabetes

Abstract

Aims: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a major risk factor for sarcopenia or frailty in older patients with diabetes. In this study, we investigated the association between DPN and muscle strength in type 2 diabetes.

Methods: DPN was assessed using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument Questionnaire (MNSI-Q) and Physical Examination (MNSI-PE) in 230 subjects with type 2 diabetes. Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured using an electronic grip strength dynamometer.

Results: The prevalence of DPN was 26.4% in men and 34.7% in women. HGS was significantly lower in men with DPN compared with men without DPN (27.0 ± 9.4 vs. 29.7 ± 8.4 kg, p = 0.036). This effect was not seen in women. In men, multivariate regression analysis showed that HGS was negatively associated with the MNSI-Q (β = -1.200, p = 0.003) and MNSI-PE scores (β = -0.937, p = 0.046) and resulted in an abnormal 10-gram monofilament test score (β = -10.895, p < 0.001). However, HGS was not significantly associated with neuropathy in women.

Conclusions: Muscle strength was lower in men with DPN than in those without DPN. Assessment of muscle function may have clinical implications in the prevention of sarcopenia and frailty in men with DPN.

Keywords: Handgrip strength; Muscle function; Neuropathy; Sarcopenia; Type 2 diabetes.