Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus, leads to sensory and motor impairments that significantly affect fine motor skills, grip strength, and dexterity, limiting daily functioning. Understanding the impact of DPN on hand-related activities of daily living (ADLs) is crucial for improving patient care and outcomes. This review employed the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework to assess hand function issues. A systematic search of peer-reviewed studies was conducted across multiple databases to identify research examining the impact of DPN on hand-related ADLs. The findings were categorised using relevant ICF codes linked to hand function issues. The analysis identified four major themes: (1) the impact of DPN on daily activities and participation; (2) sensory impairments affecting hand function; (3) muscle weakness and functional limitations; and (4) unaddressed areas, such as structural changes, driving, assisting others, and preparing meals. DPN was found to significantly hinder hand function, reducing independence in ADLs and overall quality of life. This review highlights the need for comprehensive assessments that address not only impairments, but also activity limitations and participation restrictions, to capture the multifaceted challenges of DPN. Developing targeted assessments tailored to the specific needs of individuals with DPN is essential for improving intervention strategies and overall quality of care.

Citations

• Hand function in immune-mediated inflammatory rheumatic diseases: assessment and rehabilitation approaches
  Umida Khojakulova, Olena Zimba, Mariusz Korkosz, Burhan Fatih Kocyigit
  Rheumatology International.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef

To promote optimal healthcare delivery in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) following the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019, adopting home-based physical activity (PA) is being seriously considered. Therefore, this study aims to outline the characteristics of exercise protocols for home-based PA and the challenges and limitations in implementing home-based PA in patients with T2DM. This scoping review was carried out by identifying eligible studies in six different databases (Scopus, Cochrane Library, SpringerLink, ProQuest, Science Direct, and Google Scholar). The keywords used in the search strategies were: home-based physical activity, home-based exercise therapy, home-based physical exercise, home-based exercise, home-based exercise training, diabetes mellitus, and T2DM. Two reviewers independently screened all full-text articles to find articles that met the eligibility requirements. A total of 443 articles were identified in the search. Approximately 342 articles were excluded by screening titles and abstracts, which led to the selection of 44 articles relevant to the current study. Further screening of the full-text led to the subsequent removal of 34 other articles, leading to 10 studies that were eligible for data extraction. This review suggested that the exercise protocols for home-based PA include resistance exercise using free weight and own body weight with a frequency of two to three sessions per week at moderate intensity, along with aerobic exercise (particularly walking) with a frequency of three to five times per week at moderate intensity. A combination of resistance and aerobic exercise showed more significant benefits of PA in patients with T2DM. More studies regarding home-based PA in T2DM patients with metabolic disorders are warranted.

Citations

• Effects of a home-based low-to-moderate-intensity dance exercise program on glycemic control and quality of life in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes: a single-arm, intervention study
  Atsushi Ujiie, Kenji Hara, Mio Kubo, Mototaka Yamauchi, Takafumi Tsuchiya, Kohzo Takebayashi, Yasuyuki Maruyama, Koshi Hashimoto
  Diabetology International.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Using continuous glucose monitoring to prescribe an exercise time: A Randomised controlled trial in adults with type 2 diabetes
  Courtney R. Chang, Lauren A. Roach, Brooke M. Russell, Monique E. Francois
  Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice.2025; : 112072.     CrossRef
• Effects of physical activity on visual outcomes among type 2 diabetes patients: protocol for a scoping review of randomized controlled trials
  Ebenezer Oduro Antiri, Thomas Hormenu, Stephen Ocansey, Edward Wilson Ansah
  Systematic Reviews.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Self-Reported Physical Activity Among Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus in Germany—Identifying Potential Barriers and Facilitators
  Frederike Maria Meuffels, Celine Lichtmess, Thorsten Kreutz, Steffen Held, Christian Brinkmann
  Diabetology.2025; 6(8): 77.     CrossRef
• Pedometer- and accelerometer- based physical activity interventions in Type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
  Vanessa L.P. de Oliveira, Tatiana P. de Paula, Luciana V. Viana
  Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases.2024; 34(3): 548.     CrossRef
• Effects of a Home-Based Physical Activity Program on Blood Biomarkers and Health-Related Quality of Life Indices in Saudi Arabian Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
  Jonathan Sinclair, Hussein Ageely, Mohamed Salih Mahfouz, Abdulrahman Ahmed Hummadi, Hussain Darraj, Yahia Solan, Robert Allan, Fatma Bahsan, Hassan AL Hafaf, Ali Abohadash, Mohammed Badedi, Lindsay Bottoms
  Life.2023; 13(6): 1413.     CrossRef
• Cardiometabolic, functional, and psychosocial effects of a remotely supervised home-based exercise program in individuals with type 2 diabetes (RED study): study protocol for a randomized clinical trial
  Samara Nickel Rodrigues, Rodrigo Sudatti Delevatti, Mauricio Tatsch Ximenes Carvalho, Valentina Bullo, Marco Bergamin, Cristine Lima Alberton
  Trials.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Jump rope training effects on health- and sport-related physical fitness in young participants: A systematic review with meta-analysis
  Utkarsh Singh, Akhilesh Kumar Ramachandran, Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo, Alejandro Perez-Castilla, José Afonso, Filipe Manuel Clemente, Jon Oliver
  Journal of Sports Sciences.2022; 40(16): 1801.     CrossRef