Handgrip strength improves prediction of type 2 diabetes: a prospective cohort study.

Adding measurements of HGS to conventional risk factors might improve T2D risk assessment, especially in women. Further evaluation is needed in larger studies. KEY MESSAGES Handgrip strength (HGS) is independently associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but its utility in classifying or predicting T2D risk has not been explored. In this prospective cohort study of older Caucasian men and women, adding measurements of HGS to conventional risk factors improved T2D risk assessment, especially in women. Assessment of HGS is simple and inexpensive and could prove a valuable clinical tool in the early identification of people at high risk of future T2D.