Year: 2025 | Month: July | Volume: 15 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 380-387
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20250744
Clinical and Functional Profile of Patients with Diabetes in Diabetic Clinic of Tertiary Care Hospital: A Retrospective Study
Dr. Jasmine Shaikh1, Dr. Suvarna Ganvir2, Dr. Maheshwari Harishchandre3
1Assistant Professor, Dept. Of Neurophysiotherapy,
Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil Foundation’s College of Physiotherapy, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, India
2Professor & HOD, Dept. Of Neurophysiotherapy,
Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil Foundation’s College of Physiotherapy, Ahilyanagar,Maharashtra, India
3Associate Professor, Dept. Of Neurophysiotherapy,
Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil Foundation’s College of Physiotherapy, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, India
Corresponding Author: Dr. Jasmine Shaikh
ABSTRACT
Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder with rising global prevalence, significantly impacting patients’ physical function and quality of life (QoL). The interplay of demographic factors, comorbidities, and functional impairments in diabetic patients underscores the need for comprehensive management, particularly in tertiary care settings.
Objective: To assess the clinical and functional profile of patients with diabetes attending the Diabetic Clinic of a tertiary care hospital, focusing on physical fitness parameters and QoL.
Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Diabetes Clinic of Physiotherapy Unit, Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil Memorial Hospital, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, from January to December 2023. Medical records of 64 diabetic patients (31 males, 33 females; mean age 56.1 ± 12.6 years; mean disease duration 24.4 ± 5.8 years) were analyzed. Data included demographic details, BMI, and outcomes from standardized functional assessments: Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Sit and Reach Test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand, Rhomberg and Sharpened Rhomberg Tests, Single Leg Balance Test, Timed Up and Go (TUG), Figure of 8 Walk Test, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ANSI), and Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI).
Results: Participants demonstrated reduced functional capacity (6MWT: 384 ± 150.9 m), moderate flexibility limitations (Sit and Reach: 21.9 ± 11.5 cm), and mild to moderate lower limb strength deficits (Five Times Sit-to-Stand: 12.4 ± 4.4 s). Balance assessments indicated notable impairments (Rhomberg: 12.6 ± 9.9 s; Sharpened Rhomberg: 10.5 ± 9.1 s; Single Leg Balance: 9.8 ± 8.4 s), and functional mobility was borderline to mildly reduced (TUG: 12.4 ± 4.2 s; Figure of 8: 13.0 ± 5.2 s). The ANSI score (50.7 ± 16.9) reflected moderate concern regarding balance, while the MNSI score (60.0 ± 15.0) indicated a high prevalence of peripheral neuropathy.
Conclusion: Diabetic patients in this tertiary care setting exhibited significant impairments in aerobic capacity, strength, balance, and mobility, with a high prevalence of neuropathy and moderate reduction in balance confidence. These deficits highlight the necessity for integrated, multidisciplinary interventions—including structured exercise and balance training—to mitigate functional decline and improve QoL. Enhanced care coordination and routine functional assessments are recommended for optimizing outcomes in this population.
Key words: Diabetes mellitus, chronic metabolic disorder, Diabetic patients.