Impact of controlled type 2 diabetes on muscle-tendon mechanics

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the impact of type 2 diabetes (T2D) on muscle and tendon mechanics by comparing individuals with controlled diabetes to a healthy cohort matched for age, BMI, and physical activity level. A secondary aim was to investigate the possible association between muscle-tendon proprieties and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) or advanced glycated end products (AGE, RAGE) as determined in blood and skin biopsies. METHODS: , in gastrocnemius medialis) and the rate of torque development (RTD) were evaluated by combining dynamometric and ultrasound data. RESULTS: and HbA1c (r = 0.610, N = 46, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that muscle, but not tendon, properties can be preserved in controlled and physically active diabetic patients and that higher tendon stiffness does not result in a functional deficit (i.e., same explosive capacity between cohorts). Although this study is cross-sectional and has a limited sample size, our data suggest a potential role of HbA1c as a non-invasive biomarker of altered tendon mechanics in people with diabetes. GOV, PROTOCOL NUMBER: NCT05585502.