# The Impact of Diabetes Complications on the Physical Function of Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

## TL;DR

This study examines how diabetes affects the physical function of dialysis patients, finding that diabetes complications can reduce physical activity and muscle mass.

## Contribution

The study specifically explores the impact of diabetes on physical function in hemodialysis patients undergoing exercise therapy.

## Key findings

- Diabetes was associated with lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and foot sole skin perfusion pressure.
- The five-time sit-to-stand test showed a main effect between diabetic and non-diabetic groups.
- Anterior thigh muscle thickness decreased significantly over time in diabetic patients.

## Abstract

This study investigated the impact of diabetes on the physical function of patients undergoing dialysis. This study included 22 patients undergoing outpatient dialysis with continued exercise therapy during dialysis at our hospital between January 2021 and August 2021. The participants were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of diabetes, and various parameters were compared between the groups. To compare each physical function assessment and measurement of anterior thigh muscle thickness, repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted to test for the presence of interactions and main effects.

Significant differences were observed in the absence of dyslipidemia (p < 0.01), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (p < 0.01), and foot sole skin perfusion pressure (p < 0.02). In terms of physical function, a main effect between the groups was observed in the five-time sit-to-stand test, and anterior thigh muscle thickness showed a main effect over time. Significant differences in the anterior thigh muscle thickness were observed between three and six months after the intervention (p < 0.05).

In patients undergoing dialysis with diabetes complications, a decrease in physical activity and lack of exercise can lead to a reduction in overall physical activity levels. Additionally, impairments such as peripheral neuropathy may contribute to an accelerated decrease in skeletal muscle mass.