Differences in nutrition, handgrip strength, and quality of life in patients with and without diabetes on maintenance hemodialysis in Xi’an of China

Objective Malnutrition, reduced muscle function, and reduced quality of life are common problems among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). This study aimed to evaluate nutritional risk, handgrip strength, and quality of life between patients with and without diabetes undergoing MHD to improve the nutrition, handgrip strength, and quality of life of patients with diabetic. Methods This study was a descriptive cross-sectional design. Relevant survey scales were used to evaluate the nutritional status, handgrip strength, quality of life, and anthropometric measurements of patients receiving MHD. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors affecting MHD in patients with and without diabetes. Results Compared to patients without diabetes undergoing MHD, patients with diabetes had a significantly higher malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS) ( p = 0.003), a higher proportion of malnourished patients ( p = 0.011), and weaker handgrip strength ( p < 0.001). Regarding quality of life, compared with patients without diabetes undergoing MHD, patients with diabetes undergoing MHD had a lower score of physical component summary (PCS) ( p = 0.001), mental component summary (MCS) ( p = 0.005), and 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36)( p = 0.001). In multivariate logistic analyses, MHD duration ( p = 0.008), handgrip strength ( p = 0.001), score of PCS ( p = 0.013), and employment status ( p < 0.001) were the major factors. Conclusion Nutrition and quality of life of patients with diabetes undergoing MHD were worse than those of patients without diabetes. Additionally, patients with diabetes undergoing MHD had weaker handgrip strength and exercised less. Therefore, it is necessary to take effective measures to prevent further declines in nutritional status, handgrip strength, and quality of life.