Anthropometric and Biochemical Correlates of Sarcopenia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Aged Over 40 Years: An Observational Study

Abstract Background: Sarcopenia, the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, is a growing complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, its link with glycemic control, particularly in younger patients, remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in T2DM and examine its association with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 157 T2DM patients aged >40 years. Sarcopenia was assessed using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. The appendicular skeletal muscle mass, handgrip strength, Five-Time Sit-to-Stand Test, anthropometric, and laboratory parameters were analyzed. The statistical analyses included t -tests, chi-square tests, and receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results: Sarcopenic patients had lower body mass index ( P < 0.001), waist circumference ( P < 0.001), and low handgrip strength ( P = 0.012) and reduced calf circumference ( P < 0.001). HbA1c showed no association ( P = 0.209, area under the curve = 0.453) with sarcopenia. The serum creatinine and blood urea levels were positively correlated with appendicular skeletal muscle mass ( r = 0.204, P < 0.05) and skeletal muscle index ( r = 0.182, P < 0.05), whereas hand grip strength was correlated positively with blood urea ( r = 0.161, P < 0.05). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was significantly lower in females with longer diabetes duration (≥5 years) compared with those with duration <5 years, and a trend ( P = 0.06) of lower eGFR was noted in females with higher HbA1c (≥8). Conclusion: The study revealed that neither glycemic control nor renal function markers are linked to sarcopenia in the relatively younger diabetic cohort (40–60 years). However, the handgrip strength and calf circumference served as good indicators of sarcopenia, suggesting the clinical utility of simple bed-site measures.