Abstract:

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the postgraduate theses completed by physiotherapists in order to reveal the upper extremity impact and performance of individuals with Type 2 diabetes in our country. Materials and Method: In the study, it was designed in a descriptive type by using the document analysis technique, which is one of the qualitative research methods. In December 2022, using the key type II words “Type 2 diabetes”, “Type II diabetes”, “Type 2 diabetes mellitus”, “Type II diabetes mellitus” in the database of the Thesis Center of the Council of Higher Education, the postgraduate studies carried out by physiotherapists reached. Of these theses, those made by physiotherapists on the upper extremity were filtered and 4 postgraduate studies that met the inclusion criteria were examined. Results: It was determined that there were 4 master thesis studies between 2020-2022 by physiotherapists revealing upper extremity involvement in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. The studies were designed as a review/comparison study; It was determined that upper extremity evaluation methods, which are frequently used in the literature, were used in the studies, and evaluation parameters that reveal the functionality of the shoulder and hand were preferred. Conclusion: By making classifications in various categories (neuropathy, insulin use, medical treatment, etc.) in diabetic individuals, the level of influence of individuals should be revealed with a multidisciplinary approach. Researchers should inform patients about possible risks, such as diabetic hand, by revealing possible upper extremity complications that may develop due to diabetes. We believe that the effectiveness of rehabilitation approaches can be increased, health expenditures and disability status of individuals can be reduced by determining the level of influence of the upper extremity, which has very important functions for daily living activities.

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