Diabetic stiff hand syndrome (DSHS) is a painless condition that can impair hand function in diabetics. Patients with DSHS have increasing stiffness in their hands, which can limit movement and make everyday chores more difficult. Symptoms include pain when squeezing something like a ball or stick and may also include pain when pressing on a nerve in the hand to determine if it's been hurt. DSHS can be diagnosed by looking at a patient's blood sugar levels, blood tests, and skin checks. Treatment for DSHS includes controlling blood sugar levels and treating any other conditions that may be causing your pain. DSHS can affect the hands, feet, legs, and face. It is most common among diabetics, but it can also be seen in people who take certain medications used to control high blood sugar or those who have severe kidney disease. People with DSHS often have high blood sugars because the body is not able to use sugar properly when it is in excess. Other complications may include increased risk of heart disease and stroke, blindness, nerve damage, and amputation. There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. With type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce any insulin. With type 2 diabetes, though, the body doesn't use insulin properly. Most patients with DSHS have type 2 diabetes.