Exercises for diabetic peripheral neuropathy remain controversial, especially with regard to recommended precautions and weightbearing exercises for individuals. We aimed to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of simple hand, finger, and foot exercises in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. After randomization, exercise (n = 51) and control (n = 53) groups received usual care and diabetic foot care education; only the exercise group performed exercises. Primary outcomes, including activities of daily living (assessed using the Patient Neurotoxicity Questionnaire), neuropathy severity (monofilament and vibration test), and pain (behavioral rating scale and Visual Analog Scale), and secondary outcomes, including physical function of the hand and foot (grip, pinch, finger counting time, and Timed Up and Go tests), were assessed at baseline, after the 8‐week intervention, and at the 16‐week follow‐up. The exercise group showed significantly stronger improvements in motor score and specific activities of daily living, such as climbing stairs and performing work or chores. Our exercises can be used to improve limb function in patients with diabetic neuropathy.

Myanmar has one of the highest rates of diabetes in South-East Asia. This study aimed to determine prevalence and background characteristics of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain, their effect on the functioning of hands and feet, and the impact on activities of daily living in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 975 participants attending the outpatient clinics of four hospitals in Myanmar were interviewed using questionnaires in the local language about pain and difficulties in daily activities. The participants also underwent tests of physical functioning of both hands and feet. There was a high prevalence rate of neuropathy (33.7%) and neuropathic pain (59.5%), with an increased risk in old age, longer duration of diabetes, and history of smoking. The common difficulties in daily activities were sleeping, climbing stairs, walking, and work or chores. Participants with diabetic neuropathic pain experienced more difficulties in specific activities using upper and lower extremities than did those without. Healthcare service in Myanmar should be focused on diabetic peripheral neuropathy, as it can lead to further disabilities. K E Y W O R D Sactivities of daily living, diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, Myanmar, prevalence