Relationship Between Glycemic Control and Skeletal Muscle Mass in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61336/jdme.0502.03Keywords:
Type 2 diabetes, older adults, skeletal muscle mass, glycemic control, HbA1c, insulin resistance, muscle strengthAbstract
Age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass may influence glucose metabolism and glycemic control in older adults with type 2 diabetes. This study evaluated the relationship between skeletal muscle mass, muscle quality, and glycemic control in older adults with established type 2 diabetes. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 186 adults aged 60 years or older. Skeletal muscle mass was assessed using multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis, while handgrip strength and gait speed were used as functional indicators of muscle quality. Glycemic parameters included fasting glucose, HbA1c, and fasting insulin, with HOMA-IR calculated as an estimate of insulin resistance. Participants were categorized according to skeletal muscle mass index. Individuals in the lowest muscle-mass group had higher HbA1c, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR compared with participants in the highest muscle-mass group. Lower skeletal muscle mass was also associated with reduced handgrip strength and slower gait speed. Skeletal muscle mass index demonstrated an inverse correlation with HbA1c and HOMA-IR after adjustment for age, sex, diabetes duration, BMI, physical activity, and nutritional intake. Participants with low skeletal muscle mass had approximately 2.7-fold greater odds of suboptimal glycemic control compared with those with higher muscle mass. These findings suggest that preservation of skeletal muscle mass may be relevant to glucose regulation in older adults with type 2 diabetes and that assessment of muscle quantity and function may provide additional information during diabetes management.
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