Type 2 diabetes doesn’t necessarily make a person feel unwell, so can be hard to spot. Some of the most common symptoms include peeing more than usual, particularly at night, and feeling thirsty all the time. But another, perhaps less common symptom, can lay in a person’s hands.
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Diabetic stiff hand syndrome, also known as diabetic cheiroarthropathy, is a disorder in which finger movement becomes limited as the hands become waxy and thickened, explains Diabetes.co.uk.
It adds: “Both people with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes can be affected by diabetic stiff hand syndromen, but optimising glycemic control and physical therapy can slow down the development of the condition.”
Diabetic stiff hand syndrome is reportedly found in eight to 50 percent of patients with type 1 diabetes, but type 2 diabetics can also develop the disorder.
Diabetes.co.uk continues: “Prevalence is reportedly increased as patients have diabetes for longer, while it can also be more common in patients with diabetic neuropathy.
“Diabetic stiff hand syndrome is associated with being a predictor for other diabetes-related complications.”
So how do you know if you have diabetic stiff hand syndrome?
The condition is characterised by an inability to strengthen joints in the hand. This results in hand function being severely limited.
The stiffness may begin in the little finger and then spread to the thumb.
Stiffness may then prevent a person being able to being all their fingers together completely when they hold their palms together.
Diabetes.co.uk advises: “Thick, tight, and waxy skin may also develop on the back of your hand as diabetic stiff hand syndrome develops.”
Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes to look out for
The NHS lists other symptoms as:
- Feeling very tired
- Losing weight without trying to
- Itching around your penis or vagina, or repeatedly getting Thrush
- Cuts or wounds taking longer to heal
- Blurred vision
If you experience any of the symptoms linked to type 2 diabetes, contact your GP.
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What causes type 2 diabetes and how can you prevent it?
The NHS also advises you’re more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you:
- Are over 40 (or 25 for south Asian people)
- Have a close relative with diabetes (such as a parent, brother or sister)
- Are overweight or obese
- Are of south Asian, Chinese, African Caribbean or black African origin (even if you were born in the UK)
To prevent the condition and manage blood sugar levels it’s important to make some lifestyle changes.
Eating the right foods can help. Experts recommend eating a healthy, balanced diet, keeping sugar, fat and salt to a minimum and eating breakfast, lunch and dinner every day.
Regular exercise can also help lower blood sugar levels.
People should aim to do 1.5 hours of activity a week – this can include fast walking, climbing stairs, or doing more strenuous housework or gardening.
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