Effects of Measurement of Handgrip Strength on Physical Activity Level for Patients With Diabetes Type 2

• Change in handgrip strength[ Time Frame: Change from baseline at 1 year. ]
  Handgrip strength in kg measured with Jamar handdynamometer
• Change in HbA1c[ Time Frame: Change from baseline at 1 year. ]
  Blood test. HbA1c level measured in mmol/mol
• Change in waist circumference[ Time Frame: Change from baseline at 1 year. ]
  Waist circumference in cm measured with tape measure while standing
• Physical Activity on Prescription[ Time Frame: Change from baseline at 1 year. ]
  Total number of prescriptions for physical activity issued by participating diabetes-nurses. Differences measured between groups.

Background: It is recommended that patients with diabetes type 2 keep themselves physically active and it is known that good muscular strength has a positive effect on these patients. Aim: To determine whether physical activity level increases and whether other risk factors for cardiovascular disease are positively affected by including measurement of handgrip strength as part of the regular care program for patients with diabetes type 2 in primary care. Method: Patients with diabetes type 2 who go to regular check-ups by participating diabetes-nurses in primary care are randomized to either intervention or control group. In the intervention group, handgrip strength is measured in addition to standard care. the control group receives standard care at inclusion. Handgrip strength is measured in both groups at 1 year follow-up. Physical activity level is measured in both groups at inclusion and 1 year follow-up with a questionnaire. Measurement of other risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity are measured at both inclusion and follow-up in both groups as dictated by standard care routines. Expected results: Measurement of handgrip strength can give health care personnel greater possibilities to identify those patients with diabetes type 2 who need to increase their activity level and to give them more concrete support. It is possible that the attention given to handgrip strength and physical activity may motivate patients to increase their activity level, become stronger and eventually reduce other risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity.

• Device: Handgrip strength measurement
  Measurement of handgrip strength with Jamar hand-held dynamometer as a complement to standard care of patients with diabetes type 2 by diabetes-nurses.
• Other: Standard care
  Standard care of patients with diabetes type 2 by diabetes-nurses.

• Experimental: Intervention group
  Standard care at yearly check-up by diabetes-nurse in primary care. Handgrip strength measurement bilaterally. Measurement of physical activity level.
• Active Comparator: Control group
  Standard care at yearly check-up by diabetes-nurse in primary care. Measurement of physical activity level.