Corelative Assessment of Hand Grip Strength and the Indian Diabetes Risk Score in Young and Middle-Aged Adults

Abstract

Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) poses a significant public health challenge in India, with increasing prevalence among younger and middle-aged adults. Early identification of at-risk individuals is essential for timely intervention. Hand Grip Strength (HGS), a simple and validated measure of muscular fitness, has been suggested as a potential predictor of metabolic disorders, including T2DM. This study aimed to explore the correlation between absolute HGS and the Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS), a widely used screening tool for undiagnosed T2DM. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Sree Gokulam Medical College and Research Foundation from March to December 2023. A total of 180 participants aged 18–49 years, including students and faculty, were recruited. Anthropometric data, waist circumference, and HGS (measured using a TKK dynamometer) were recorded. IDRS was calculated based on age, physical activity, family history, and waist circumference. Absolute HGS was defined as the sum of the maximum grip strength from both hands. Participants were grouped by age (18–24, 25–35, and 36–49 years), and Spearman’s correlation was used to assess the relationship between HGS and IDRS. Results: The highest mean HGS was observed in the 25–35 age group, while the highest IDRS was noted in the 36–49 age group. However, no statistically significant correlation was found between absolute HGS and IDRS across any age group (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Although no significant association was observed, the study highlights the potential value of combining physical and metabolic screening tools. Future research should explore relative HGS and longitudinal risk prediction.