2.1. Study design
This was a longitudinal observational study that evaluated hand function.
2.2. Participants
Sixty adults with type 1 or 2 diabetes were recruited from diabetic and orthopedic outpatient clinics at Modbury Hospital, as well as private rheumatology and orthopedic practices located in Adelaide, South Australia. Criteria for inclusion into the study included males or females aged over 18, diagnosed with diabetes and at least one of the
related hand disorders: carpal tunnel syndrome; trigger finger; Dupuytren's disease; or the syndrome of limited joint mobility. Patients with other diagnoses that would interfere with hand function, including stroke, rheumatoid arthritis and severe visual
impairment were excluded. Participants were required to give written informed consent. The Modbury Hospital Research Ethics Committee gave ethics approval.