Changes in sensory function and force production in adults with type II diabetes

Abstract

Some, not all, motor performance deficits in T2D are associated with sensory dysfunction. Mechanisms responsible for these changes in adult-onset T2D are described.

Cognitive impairment and postural control deficit in adults with Type 2 diabetes

“…In some cases, these health state markers accounted for the observed behavioural differences in diabetic patients; in others, they magnified the group differences between diabetics and controls. Consistent with previous literature, tactile dysfunction positively correlated with A 1c , suggesting that worsened glucose control is globally associated with worsened sensory function. Baseline cognitive function was indicated to be negatively correlated with blood pressure .…”

“…In addition to the cognitive complications of diabetes, sensorimotor functions of all four extremities are known to be impaired with Type 2 Diabetes . Specifically, poor tactile sensation and presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy have been linked to poorer balance control and increased fall risk in patients with Type 2 Diabetes .…”

Contribution of tactile dysfunction to manual motor dysfunction in type II diabetes

“…During testing, dynamometers were placed 16 inches anterior to the patient torso, 6 inches away from the midline of the body toward the dominant hand. The wrist orientation was such that the hand was in a neutral position during testing . For pinch testing, the P200 device was held vertically with the non‐dominant hand.…”

“…Recent evidence has suggested that fine motor function is impaired in patients who have type II diabetes (T2D), even though they do not notice such deficits. Recent studies have also indicated that adults with T2D exhibit subtle yet significant differences in hand function in kinetic evaluation but not in assessments with clinical evaluation tools . As all manual tasks are performed by application of force through the hands or fingers, evaluation of kinetics yields a wealth of information regarding fine motor disability .…”

“…As all manual tasks are performed by application of force through the hands or fingers, evaluation of kinetics yields a wealth of information regarding fine motor disability . Reduced maximal force produced by T2D patients has not been correlated previously with changes in tactile function, disease severity, or diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy (PN); however, changes in submaximal force production have been correlated with poorer tactile function . Together, these results suggest that tactile deficits may be responsible for some, but not all, manual deficits exhibited by T2D patients.…”