Journal of Innovative Clinical Trials and Case Reports

Abstract

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common metabolic disorders. Sarcopenia is a degenerative skeletal muscle disorder associated with aging. It has been identified as a novel complication seen in older adults. The aim of our study was to compare the prevalence of sarcopenia in elderly Indian population aged above 60 years with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: This was an observational, case-control study, in which elderly population aged more than 60 years were included and categorized into two groups: those with T2DM and those without T2DM. Sarcopenia was diagnosed in presence of low hand grip strength with SARC-F questionnaire score of ≥4.

Results: A total of 237 participants were enrolled, consisting of 128 individuals with T2DM and 109 individuals without T2DM. Prevalence of sarcopenia among individuals with T2DM was two times more than individuals without T2DM which was statistically significant (OR=1.35, P=0.029). Mean testosterone was lower in individuals with T2DM than individuals without T2DM. Mean hand grip strength was lower in individuals with T2DM than individuals without T2DM. There was statistically significant association of sarcopenia with age, physical activity and Body Mass Index (BMI).

Conclusion: Prevalence of sarcopenia among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus is 32.03% while, in individuals without type 2 diabetes mellitus is 13.76%. T2DM is an independent risk factor for development of sarcopenia. Increasing age, sedentary lifestyle, higher BMI and low serum testosterone (in males) are independent risk factors for development of sarcopenia.