The Concurrent Challenges of Sarcopenia and Frailty: A 5-Year Mortality Risk Evaluation in Geriatric Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is common among older adults and may increase the risk of sarcopenia and frailty. This study evaluates the impact of sarcopenia and frailty on 5-year mortality in older adults with T2DM. MethodsWe assessed a cohort study of 447 adults with T2DM who were more than 60 years old. To follow the guidelines set by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP 2), we used bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure muscle mass and a handgrip dynamometer to measure muscle strength. We assessed frailty using the Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses, and Loss of weight (FRAIL) Scale. We categorised the patients into four groups: isolated sarcopenic, isolated alone, both conditions (sarcopenia and frailty), or neither. ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 69 years, with 71.6% female. Isolated sarcopenic was present in 11.0%, isolated frail in 22.4%, and sarcopenia and frailty in 9.8%. After adjusting for variables such as age, sex, comorbidities, activities of daily living, glycemic control, and nutritional status, sarcopenia and frailty were found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of 5-year mortality. Isolated frail also significantly predicted mortality (hazard ratio, 2.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.34 to 5.03; P=0.005). ConclusionSarcopenia and frailty are significant predictors of increased mortality risk in older adults with T2DM. Sarcopenia and frailty pose the highest risk. Early identification and targeted interventions for these conditions in older T2DM patients are crucial to improving outcomes.