Influence of gender on pain, upper extremity functions, and quality of life in individuals with diabetes

Purpose: This study was planned to investigate the effect of gender on pain, upper extremity functions and quality of life in patients with type I and type II diabetes. Methods: A total of 130 patients with type-I and type-II diabetes were included in this study, which was a web-based cross-sectional study. In the study, arm, shoulder and hand problems questionnaire, Michigan hand outcome questionnaire, numerical rating scale for upper extremity pain severity, neuropathic pain questionnaire-Short Form, and World Health Organization quality of life questionnaires were used. Results: While women's scores on the pain subscale of the Michigan hand outcome questionnaire were higher than men (p = 0.006), the scores on the function subscale were lower (p = 0.037). When the working subscale scores of the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire were examined, it was determined that the function level of women was lower (p = 0.016). Conclusion: Diabetes has a different impact on men and women in terms of pain, upper extremity function, and overall health. Women appear to be more affected than men in terms of pain and upper extremity function.