Correlation between Duruöz Hand Index (DHI) and Average Hand Grip Strength of Diabetic Study Participants

Background: Assessing hand function in diabetic patients is essential for early detection and intervention. Objective: This study explored the correlation between Duruöz Hand Index (DHI) scores, a measure of hand dysfunction, and average hand grip strength in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methodology: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from April 2020 to March 2021. The population of this study consisted of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the age group 36 – 65 years, with diabetes duration >5 years. A total of 80 patients were selected as study subjects by purposive sampling technique. Results: The mean hand grip strength in the right hand of diabetic study participants wa s 21.38±4.23. Again, the mean hand grip strength in the left hand was 20.52 ±4.27. The average mean hand grip strength was 20.95 ±4.25. There was a weak negative correlation (r= -0.301) between the Duruöz Hand Index (DHI) of the diabetic study participants and their hand grip strength which was statistically significant (p=0.007). Conclusion: This study revealed a weak negative correlation between DHI scores and hand grip strength among these individuals. This highlights the significance of employing comprehensive assessments like the DHI to detect and address musculoskeletal complications in diabetes, thereby potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, January 2026;12(1):15-19