Hand Abnormalities Associated with Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus in Japan

Abstract

We carried out a survey of hand abnormalities in 65 Japanese adult diabetics (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) and compared the result with that of 65 non-diabetic adults as controls. A significantly higher incidence of Dupuytren's contracture, limited joint mobility, carpal tunnel syndrome, and flexor tenosynovitis was found in the diabetic group. In the diabetic group, Dupuytren's contracture was noted in 10 patients (15%), limited joint mobility in 34 patients (52%), carpal tunnel syndrome in 21 patients (32%), and flexor tenosynovitis in 10 patients (15%). Dupuytren's contracture in the diabetic patients involved the fourth and fifth rays. In diabetic carpal tunnel syndrome, as compared to the idiopathic form, men were more frequently affected than women. Carpal tunnel syndrome showed a positive correlation with duration of the diabetes and use of insulin during the last twelve months prior to the examination. All of 10 diabetic patients with flexor tenosynovitis also had limited joint mobility. Six of these 10 patients also had carpal tunnel syndrome.