Grip strength can predict type 2 diabetes

Loss of mean muscle mass and function is associated with type 2 diabetes. A recent study have utilized grip strength to develop cut points relative to body weight, gender, and age group to predict type 2 diabetes in a large nationally representative sample of participants pre-screened for comorbid conditions such as hypertension. In this study, researchers analyzed survey data from the 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to establish normalized grip strength (grip strength relative to body weight) cut points for type 2 diabetes risk. Portable handgrip dynamometer devices were used to determine hand and forearm strength. After adjusting for sociodemographics (i.e., race/ethnicity, education, poverty, sex, and age), lifestyle factors (i.e., sedentary behavior, alcohol use, and smoking status), and waist circumference, the investigators identified the grip strength levels of at-risk patients who were otherwise healthy. These levels are presented with age- and sex-specific grip strength cut points that correspond to varying body weights to increase the ease of use for practitioners as indicators of when further diabetes diagnostic testing is warranted. The investigators suggested that the use of the normalized grip strength cut points could be used in routine health screenings to identify at-risk patients and improve diagnosis and outcome.

American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2020; DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2020.01.016.