The Relationship Between Hand Abnormalities and Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: The link between diabetes mellitus (DM) and pathological conditions of the hand has been previously investigated. Retinopathy is one of the most common microvascular complications of DM. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between hand abnormalities and retinopathy in patients with type 2 DM. Methods: Patients with type 2 DM were assessed for hand abnormalities using tactile, functional, and sensory tests. The patients were evaluated electrodiagnostically for carpal tunnel syndrome and polyneuropathy (PNP). A comprehensive ophthalmologic examination was performed to diagnose diabetic retinopathy (DR). Subjective disability and quality of life were evaluated using the Quick DASH questionnaire. The duration of the disease and HbA1c levels were noted. Results: A total of 60 patients with type 2 DM (32 female, 28 male) were recruited for this study. The mean age was 55.1 +/- 5.6 years. Among the 60 diabetic patients examined, 15 (25%) were diagnosed with DR. The mean duration of DM was 86.86 +/- 51.69 months in patients without DR and 144.75 +/- 82.96 months in patients with DR. The mean HbA1c level was 8.86% in the DR group and 8.64% in the non-DR group. PNP was the only hand abnormality that showed a significant association with retinopathy (p = 0.011). Conclusions: PNP might be used as a clue to the presence of retinopathy, especially in long-lasting diabetes. Particular attention should be given to hand abnormalities, especially in patients with PNP, due to their association with DR.