How Folding Hands In A Prayer Sign Can Tell If You Have Diabetes

Did you know? Diabetes can affect different parts of the body, including your bones and joints.

In a recent post on social media platform X, Dr Akhil Raghavan, an ex-Army Medical Corps and an MD in General Medicine, shared a picture of a diabetes patient’s hands attempting to form a prayer position. Clearly, the patient had failed, as the palms of his or her hands did not touch each other. This, according to another doctor who had responded to the post, is a classic sign of diabetic cheiroarthropathy, which occurs in 28.5% of diabetic patients, as per a study published in the Journal Cureus.

We at OnlyMyHealth spoke with Dr Radhika Malireddy, Consultant-Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, to understand more about the condition.

What is Diabetic Cheiroarthropathy?

Diabetic cheiroarthropathy, also known as diabetic hand syndrome, is a condition that affects the connective tissues in the hands of individuals with diabetes, explained Dr Malireddy, adding that it is a complication associated with longstanding and poorly controlled diabetes and is characterised by changes in the skin, joints, and other tissues of the hands, leading to limited mobility and flexibility.

Both people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes can develop the condition, with an overall prevalence rate of 18.3% to 28.5%, according to the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine.

Limited Joint Mobility Is A Common Symptom

Dr Malireddy said, “One of the hallmark features (of diabetic cheiroarthropathy) is the gradual loss of flexibility and range of motion in the joints of the hands.”

“This can make it challenging for individuals to fully extend or flex their fingers and hands,” she added.

Research suggests that the prevalence of limited joint mobility in diabetes mellitus ranges from 8–58%.

According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the condition can be identified with the help of a ‘prayer sign,’ which can be performed by asking the patient to put his or her palms together in a praying position. Normally, a healthy person can successfully make contact. However, patients with limited joint mobility fail to do so, indicating diabetic cheiroarthropathy.

Other Signs To Watch Out For

Other common symptoms associated with diabetic cheiroarthropathy include:

• Thickening of the skin on the back of the hands, often accompanied by tightness in the skin
• Development of Dupuytren's contracture, a condition where the tissues underneath the skin of the palm and fingers thicken and shorten, causing the fingers to curl inward
• Difficulty performing routine tasks, such as grasping objects, making a fist, or fully extending the fingers

How To Detect The Condition

One way to diagnose diabetic cheiroarthropathy is by recognising the clinical symptoms of the condition and undergoing a physical examination.

According to Dr Malireddy, the doctor will assess the range of motion in the joints, examine the skin for changes in texture and thickness, and investigate any difficulties in hand function.

Additionally, other diagnostic tests may be used to assess the severity of the condition or rule out other potential causes for hand-related symptoms. These may include:

• X-rays to evaluate joint structure and detect any abnormalities
• Ultrasound to assess changes in the thickness of the skin and underlying tissues
• Blood tests to monitor blood glucose levels and assess overall diabetes management

Prevention And Management

Here are some effective ways to prevent and manage diabetic cheiroarthropathy:

• Maintaining normal blood sugar levels
• Regular physical activity
• Frequent moisturization of the skin
• Regular check-ups to monitor blood sugar levels

Conclusion

Diabetic cheiroarthropathy is a distressing condition that can hinder daily tasks and activities. If you have diabetes, it is important to address any joint- or bone-related issues. Ensure that you regularly monitor your blood sugar levels and manage them by making healthy lifestyle choices. This will in turn help to prevent the onset of diabetic cheiroarthropathy.

Reference Link

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/how-folding-hands-in-a-prayer-sign-can-tell-if-you-have-diabetes-1703236290