BACKGROUND: Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are prone to musculoskeletal complications, particularly in the upper extremities (UE), which can significantly impair their grip strength and UE muscle strength. This review will provide valuable insights for developing optimized exercise interventions aimed at enhancing upper limb functionality and improving patient outcomes. AIM: To determine the effect of different exercise training on grip strength and UE muscle strength in patients suffering from T2DM. METHODOLOGY: A comprehensive search from electronic databases was performed based on the selection criteria and 13 randomized controlled trials (RCT's) were included in the study. Mean changes in grip strength and UE muscle strength were the primary outcome measures. Included studies ranked high on the PEDro rating scale and eta-analysis was performed by Rev Man 5.4 software. RESULTS: Meta-analysis results indicated that there was a statistically significant improvement in UE muscle strength of experimental group when compared to control group (mean differences (MD) 2.91, 95% confidence interval 0.12 to 5.71; p = 0.04) with moderate heterogeneity (I2 49%, p < 0.07). Grip strength improved significantly in the experimental group when compared to the control group with (MD 2.93, 95% CL -0.00 to 5.86; p = 0.05) and moderate heterogeneity (I2 66%, p < 0.08). CONCLUSION: This review indicated a positive role of supervised resistance and aerobic exercises on UE muscle strength in patients with T2DM. Due to lack of RCT's, grip strength needs to be explored by further investigations in these patients.

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