Background and Aim:  Diabetes mellitus comprises a group of disorders associated with hyperglycemia. Diabetes can cause many complications for the person which can affect various aspects of health. This study aimed to assess the function in diabetic patients based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, evaluation of function was based on selection of assessment tools from the components of the ICF system, including the hand function (strength, dexterity, sensation), the ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living, quality of life, ability to work, social support and their self-management on 94 patients with diabetes type 1 and 2(refer to the community support for diabetic patients in Shiraz) took place. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS.

Results: In this study of the 94 participants with diabetes, 39 were male (41/5 %) and 55 females (58/5 %). 40 patients (42/6 %) with type 1 diabetes and 54 (57/4 %) patients had type 2. The results show that the strength, dexterity, sensation, self-management and work ability were significantly associated with blood sugar levels (P <0/001).

Conclusion:Using the ICF as a framework for evaluating the function and determining the health status of diabetic patients, hand function and the ability to work in patients with diabetes was not desirable. Hand function and ability to work decreases with an increase in blood sugar levels.

Keywords: Diabetes, function, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.